PART II
PAKISTAN NAVY
BLUE WATER CAPACITY
AND
ANTI-SUBMARINE WARFARE CAPABILITY
Over 100 platforms serve in the Pakistan Navy inventory, including law enforcement and support vessels. The country’s surface power, submarine capacity, and anti-submarine warfare capabilities will be examined in this part of the study. Since this document focuses on underwater warfare, only anti-submarine warfare weapons are included. Sonar commenting capability varies depending on factors such as environmental conditions, sea conditions, energy status of the ship, personnel training and experience level. For this reason, the performance values of sonar systems are excluded.
Blue Waters
Capacity of the Pakistan Navy
There are four frigates and one off-shore patrol ship class in the
Pakistan Navy inventory. Co-operation is in progress with Turkiye to construct
two class ships.
A) Major
Surface Combatants
1) Alamgir Class Guided Missile Frigate
The sole platform in the Pakistan inventory of class is PNS Alamgir
(F 260). The ship does not have the Mark 13 guided missile launch system used
in Oliver Hazard Perry-class ships.
PNS Alamgir, which acceptance tests to Pakistan were completed in
2011, operates with eight RGM-84 Harpoon launchers on the bow section. Deprived
of the RIM-66 SM-1 surface-to-air missile capability, the ship’s air defence
capability only consists of a Mark 75 76-millimetre cannon on the midship’s
upper deck. The
ship has 36 Super Rapid Bloom Offboard Countermeasures Chaff and Decoy Launching
System on board.
Equipped
with an AN/SLQ-25 Nixie towed decoy against torpedo threat, the ship also has Mark
36 SRBOC countermeasure system and AN/SQS-56 hull-mounted sonar. According to
some sources, the vessel has SOR 19 passive towed array sonar capability. The
platform can conduct anti-submarine warfare with the Harbin Z-9EC helicopter
carried on board.
The
frigate also has two triple Mark 32 torpedo tubes capable of launching
324-millimetre Mark 46 torpedoes, Mark 15 Phalanx 20-millimetre close-in weapon
system and machine gun armament. Ships can reach a range of 4,500 nautical
miles at 20 knots.
2) Tughril Class Guided Missile Frigate
Two Tughril-class platforms currently operate in Pakistan’s
inventory: PNS Tughril (F 261) and PNS Taimur (F 262). Two more platforms are
expected to join the navy inventory.
Platforms developed from China’s Type 054A class have advanced
sonar infrastructure. Equipped with air defence systems, frigates are the most
capable export model ship China has ever developed. On platforms carrying
LY-80N surface-to-air guided missiles for air defence purposes, four CM-302
guided missile launchers, two Type 87 six-launcher anti-submarine warfare
rocket launchers, two Yu-7 anti-submarine warfare torpedo tubes, one
76-millimetre H/PJ-26 gun and two Type 1130 close-in weapon systems
The Type 054A/P class ship, which has a reduced radar cross-section
hull structure, can also carry out anti-submarine warfare tasks with a 10-ton
class helicopter.
Platforms are equipped with an MGK-335 active/passive sonar system
and H/SJG-206 towed array sonar equipment. It is estimated that ships have two
Type 726-4 decoy launchers and can reach at least 3,700 nautical miles.
3) Tariq Class General-Purpose
Frigate
Of the platforms procured via direct acquisition from the Royal
Navy, only the PNS Tariq (F181) is operational. It is known that the Type 21
class platform, which was transferred to the Pakistan Navy in Karachi Port in
1993, was subjected to a mid-life upgrade between 1998-2002. Before the ship’s
delivery to Pakistan, the Exocet and Seacat missile systems were removed.
As part of the activities carried out under the Karachi Shipyard
and Engineering Company (KS&EW) contract, the Mark 15 Phalanx 20-millimetre
close-in weapon system, Mark 36 SRBOC countermeasure equipment and various barrelled
weapons were integrated into the platform. In addition, a six-cell LY-60N
surface-to-air missile system is amongst the weapons installed to regain the
air defence capability of the frigate. PNS Tariq, which can carry one 5-ton
class helicopter, can reach a maximum speed of 32 knots. The vessel can reach 37
knots for a limited time when necessary.
The platform has Type 184B, Type 162M and ATAS sonar. There is also
a Type 182 towed torpedo decoy system on board.
The ships are equipped with a Vickers 114-millimetre 55 calibre
Mark 8 main gun, a 20-millimetre Mark 15 Phalanx close-in weapon system, two
air defence guns, and two triple 324-millimetre Mark 32 torpedo tubes. The
United Kingdom did not want to give the Exocet missiles to Pakistan during the
delivery, so the systems were dismantled. RGM-84 Harpoon-guided missile is
integrated to fill the post-delivery capability gap of vessels. Tarik Class
frigates can reach 4,000 nautical miles at 17 knots.
4) Zulfiquar Class General-Purpose
Frigate
Zulfiquar class ships, also known as Sword or F-22P. The hull of
the frigates, developed from China’s Type 053H3 design, has a structure that
reduces the Radar Cross Section area. Currently, PNS Zulfiquar (F251), PNS
Shamsheer (F252), PNS Saif (F253) and PNS Aslat (P254) are on active duty. The
length and displacement of PNS Aslat are greater than its predecessors.
The platforms, also described as guided missile frigates, have one
76-millimetre AK-176 main gun and two H/PJ-12 30-millimetre close-in weapon systems.
The guided-missile power of the frigates consists of one HQ-7 surface-to-air
missile with eight launchers and two C-802 surface-to-surface guided missiles
with four launchers.
The ships also have two triple ET-52C torpedo tubes and two
six-launcher RDC-32 anti-submarine warfare rockets. Platforms lacking sonar
equipment have a hangar and helipad infrastructure suitable for operating a
10-ton class helicopter. Ships can reach a range of 4,500 nautical miles at a
speed of 18 knots.
B) Off-Shore
Patrol Platforms
There is only one off-shore patrol corvette in the Pakistan Navy
inventory. In addition, the diversity of platforms will be increased with the
ongoing PN MilGem Project.
1) Yarmook Class OPV
The main task of the ships, which have customised designs based on
the OPV 1900 of the Netherlands-based Damen Shipyard, is to perform patrol
duties in the open sea. The vessel can launch anti-ship missiles, equipped with
one 30-millimetre cannon, one Mark 15 20-millimetre close-in weapon system and
machine guns. It is known that second-batch platforms will have a more advanced
air defence system infrastructure. Vessels lack sonar equipment and have a helipad
and hangar structure suitable for operating a 10-ton class helicopter.
Platforms can reach a range of 6,000 nautical miles at 12 knots.
C) Ongoing
Projects
Pakistan Navy has been in close relations with Turkiye in
shipbuilding recently. In this context, two important projects, the PN Milgem
Class corvette and Jinnah Class frigates, are progressing to include technology
transfer and construction in Pakistan. It is aimed that Pakistan’s open sea
surface power will gain necessary capabilities with Babur Class corvettes with
a hull with reduced radar cross-section and frigates that are likely to be
designed with similar structures. Many Turkish companies also undertake
essential tasks in the projects.
1) Jinnah Class Frigate
The design and development process, which was first introduced at
the IDEF 2021 International Defence Industry Fair, continues. In the process
that ASFAT will provide support within the scope of the technology transfer
agreement, there is no definite information about the weapon load and
capabilities of the ships yet.
2) Babur Class Corvette
The ships designed within the scope of the PN MilGem Project were
developed from the Ada Class corvettes, which are active in the inventory of
the Turkish Navy and exported to Ukraine. Construction activities were shared
between the shipyards in Pakistan and Turkiye. The works of the first ship PNS
Babur (280), are carried out in Istanbul Shipyard, while the second platform
PNS Badr (281), is carried out in Karachi. The construction of the first two
corvettes, followed by the two ships, continues on the slipway. PNS Khaibar
(282) is being built in Istanbul, and PNS Tariq (283) is being constructed in
Karachi. PNS Khaiber is expected to be launched very soon. The first ship of
the project, PNS Babur, is planned to be delivered to Pakistan Navy in August
2023.
In the corvettes, for which various Turkish companies undertake the
central systems’ subcontractors, there is an Oto Melara76-millimetre main gun,
an ASELSAN Gökdeniz 35-millimetre close-in weapon system, and two ASELSAN STOP
25-millimetre Remotely Controlled Weapon Systems (RCWS). 16 CAMM-ER Albatros-NG
surface-to-air missiles and anti-ship missiles are planned for corvettes. The
Harbah system, a naval model of the Babur cruise missile, is on the agenda for
surface-to-surface attack payload. The corvettes, equipped with Meteksan
YAKAMOS hull-mounted sonar, will have two triple Mark 32 torpedo tubes for
anti-submarine warfare capability. Platforms with the ASELSAN Hızır torpedo
countermeasure system also have a helipad and hangar infrastructure suitable
for 10-ton class helicopter operation. It is planned that the ships will be
able to operate for 15 days without resupply and reach a range of 3,500
nautical miles.
Azmat, Yonca-Onuk production Jallalat based on MRTP-33, and Kurrat
class patrol boats also serve in the Pakistan Navy inventory. These platforms
do not have anti-submarine warfare capability as a surface combat power.
Vehicles are not included in the document as they cannot perform off-shore
missions.
Submarine
Power of the Pakistan Navy
There are two classes of submarines capable of operating on the
high seas in the Pakistan Navy inventory. In addition, there is a 1 class
pocket submarine within the force, which is suitable for serving only in
coastal waters. A joint project with China is also being carried out to
consolidate underwater power.
A)
Diesel-Electric Submarines
1) Agosta 90B Class Submarines
Three platforms from the Agosta 90B class submarines, developed by
France, which can conduct long underwater patrol tasks thanks to their
air-independent propulsion capability, serve in the inventory of the Pakistan
Navy.
The ships were named PNS Khalid (S137), PNS Saad (S138) and PNS
Hamza (S139). Platforms, also known as Khalid Class, are known to be the
highest displacement models of their class.
Agosta Class submarines were developed as a preliminary study of
Rubis class submarines. For this reason, it is known that the platforms’ hull
structure is developed quite strongly. The platforms have achieved a long-range
ocean submarine capability thanks to their capacity. Its development purposes
are known as area denial and anti-submarine warfare. The reserve buoyancy of
ships, which can operate for 45 days without resupply, is around 20%.
It is known that submarines have advanced features such as lower
acoustic signature, higher battery capacity, more extended mission capability
and deeper diving compared to their counterparts of the period.
With the improved automation infrastructure of the Agosta 90Bs, the
requirement for crew has been reduced. There are four torpedo tubes in
submarines, and 16 spares 533 millimetre heavy torpedoes and/or guided missiles
can be stored. As a result of intense negotiations, Pakistan was able to obtain
technology transfer from France along with submarines.
Thanks to the preferred HLES-80 steel in its structure, platforms
that can dive to a depth of 320 to 350 metres can launch SM-39 Exocet
anti-ship-guided missiles when submerged. Ships with the MESMA air-independent
propulsion (AIP) system are Pakistan’s biggest trump card against the Indian
aircraft carrier fleet.
An agreement was signed with Turkiye-based STM company for the mid-life
upgrade of the platforms. The three ships’ entire sonar suite, periscope,
command and control, radar and electronic support systems were renewed as part
of the activities. Havelsan and ASELSAN also took part in the project. The
pressure hull of the vessels and critical structural components were maintained
and repaired, and the necessary parts were replaced. In addition, system and
platform integration processes were also provided.
It is known that the platforms had TSM 2233 active/passive sonar
systems before modernisation. Ships can reach 8,500 nautical miles at 9 knots
with a snorkel, 350 nautical miles at 3.5 knots without a snorkel, and 1,950
nautical miles at 3.5 knots with MESMA.
2) Agosta 70 Class Submarines
Agosta 70-class submarines built for the Republic of South Africa
were delivered to Pakistan after the embargo.
Currently, two submarines are, PNS Hashmat (S135) and PNS Hurmat
(S136) in active use. Boats are equipped with DUUA 2B active/passive, TSM 2233D
passive, and TSM 2933 towed passive sonars.
The diesel-electric submarines, operating under the name Hashmat
Class, have four 533-millimetre torpedo tubes. It is known that vessels can
carry 20 spares 533 millimetre heavy torpedoes and/or guided missiles and can
launch UGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles as well.
Platforms can reach 8,500 nautical miles at 9 knots with a snorkel
and 350 nautical miles at 3.5 knots without a snorkel.
B) Midget
Submarines
There are three Cosmos class midget submarines in the Pakistan Navy
inventory. The platforms were acquired from Italy.
1) Cosmos
Class Pocket Submarine
Platforms, also known as Cosmos Class midget submarines, were
developed by the Italian company Cos.Mo.S (Construzione Motoscafi Sottomarinis.a.s).
Vehicles with a submerged displacement of 110 tons patrol the
coastal waters; it protects ports, bases and critical facilities. According to
open sources, midget submarines that reach an operational capacity of 2,500
nautical miles can operate for 20 days.
It is known that there are torpedo tubes on platforms with
diesel-electric propulsion. Boats, with a total length of 28 metres, were built
in Karachi Shipyard. Platforms are also used in Navy Special Forces Command tasks.
It is also known that the vehicles can carry an additional special operations
unit with 14 crew members.
C) Ongoing
Projects
Pakistan, which has close relations with China in the defence industry,
has also signed an agreement to supply submarines to the country in question.
1) Hangor Class Submarine Project
Planned to have an air-independent propulsion system Submarines
were developed on China’s type 039B class platforms. A total of eight submarines
are scheduled to be built. In this context, it has been stated that technology
transfer will take place.
The project initiated by the Pakistan Navy to develop the submarine
capability, including an air-independent propulsion system, is a strategic
issue for Pakistan. In this way, it is aimed that the platforms will have
underwater navigation capability for a long time, which will provide sufficient
deterrence, although not as much as nuclear submarines.
It is announced that the Hangor class submarines, which are
expected to become the most crucial weapon of the Pakistan Navy in terms of area
denial capability, will be equipped with the Yu-6 533 millimetre heavy torpedo.
It has been announced that the ships whose last four platforms will be built in
Karachi will also have the capability of YJ-82 anti-ship guided missile and
Babur 3 submarine-launched cruise missile.
With the Babur 3 capability, it is foreseen that the submarines
will constitute the second strike capability in Pakistan’s nuclear triad. It is
anticipated that Hangor class submarines will become a vital power multiplier
for the country, which Pakistan Navy has previously had combat success with
underwater vehicles.
Maritime
Patrol Aircraft and Anti-Submarine Warfare Helicopters of Pakistan Navy
Two class maritime patrol aircraft are in the Pakistan Navy
inventory, the P-3C Orion and the ATR-72MPA. In addition, ship-based Z-9EC and
Westland Sea King helicopters can detect, detain, intercept and hunt underwater
targets when necessary.
This section discusses only platforms with submarine-hunting
capability since the document is focused on underwater warfare.
A) Maritime
Patrol Aircraft
1) RAS-72
Sea Eagle (ATR-72MPA)
It was converted from ATR-72-500 commercial airliner to replace the
Fokker F27 patrol aircraft in Pakistan’s inventory. The platforms provided a
significant increase in capacity compared to their predecessors in terms of endurance
and maximum take-off weight.
The aircraft’s conversion process was completed under Germany-based
Rheinland Air Service GmbH. During the modification, the Pratt & Whitney
Canada PW127F turboprop engines were upgraded to the PW127M level providing
higher power output.
RAS-72 aircraft use the Leonardo Seaspray 7300E surface surveillance
and targeting radar. The system, which is in X-Band AESA configuration, can
perform reconnaissance and surveillance at a maximum range of 200 nautical
miles and weather detection at a distance of 320 nautical miles with its 32dBi
antenna. The system, with a total weight of 86.2 kilogrammes, has the track-while-scan
capability to simultaneously detect, determine and observe up to 200 targets.
The power of the radar is known as 2 kW.
Maritime patrol aircraft are equipped with a Star SAFIRE III
electro-optical and infrared imager. The equipment allows imaging at a range of
20 to 30 kilometres.
Aerodata produced an AeroMission mission management system on the
platforms. User consoles have an interchangeable architecture that can change
tasks and replace each other. Aircraft with ELINT capability are equipped with
tactical data links and a Ku-band satellite communication system.
RAS-72s, which can operate
for up to 7 hours depending on the mission profile, weather and environmental
conditions at a distance of 350 kilometres from the main base, have 9 hours of endurance.
In addition to sonobuoys, the aircraft can carry 324-millimetre torpedoes at
the front weapon stations and air-to-surface missiles in the rear section of the
fuselage. The platforms do not have magnetic anomaly detector (MAD) capability.
Currently, two RAS-72 Sea Eagles are in the inventory of the Pakistan Navy. It
is planned to increase the number to four.
2) P-3C Orion
Known as the P-3 Orion
aircraft’s most advanced model, the C variant operates with 11 crew members.
The aircraft is developed for military purposes and can carry a payload under
the wing. P-3s are also known for their high resistance to salt water and
corrosion.
The P-3C Orion has 12-hour endurance and can increase mission time
by shutting down engines at various intervals during flight. Today, aircraft
approaching the end of economical operation lifespan are equipped with the
ASQ-81 Magnetic Anomaly Detector (MAD) capability.
The P-3C Orion can scan in a 360-degree area thanks to the
AN/APS-115 radar located in the nose and tail section. The radar, which can
perform periscope scanning, can operate at up to 370 kilometres, depending on
various conditions such as altitude, ambient, and sea conditions. There is also
AN/APS-137D synthetic aperture radar hardware. The aircraft, which can carry
sonobuoy and armament in the internal bay, can reach an operating range of
approximately 2,500 kilometres, with a 3-hour endurance over the task zone. Task
endurance can be extended with the engine shutdown method.
Aircraft capable of carrying weapons such as underwater bombs,
various torpedoes, missiles and mines constitute Pakistan’s most crucial maritime
patrol capability.
It is known that in the terrorist attack on the PNS Mehran base of
the Pakistan Navy in 2011, two P-3C Orions were damaged beyond repair. In the
following years, it was determined that the United States of America delivered
two new aircraft to Pakistan to replace the destroyed aircraft. Currently,
seven P-3Cs are operating in the Pakistan Navy inventory.
B) Naval Helicopters
Two models of anti-submarine warfare capable helicopters, Z-9EC and
Mark-45 Sea King, are in service in the Pakistan Navy inventory.
1) Westland Sea King 10 Ton
Class Navy Helicopter
Sea King, which has a metal fuselage and rotor structure, was
developed in a foldable configuration to reduce space requirements in the
ship’s hangar. Four helicopters of the Mark 45 model are in service in
Pakistan’s inventory.
The 10-ton class platform’s endurance varies from approximately 3
hours to 3 hours and 30 minutes depending on environmental conditions, payload
and mission planning. The maximum range is about 1,220 nautical miles.
The helicopters are equipped with MEL Super Searcher radar, AQS 902
acoustic processing system, Type 2069 immersion sonar and sonobuoy capability
in an enlarged radome.
2) Z-9EC 5 Ton Class
Navy Helicopter
The
hovering capability and stability of helicopters with fenestron tail
configuration are more advanced than conventional systems. The noise level is
lower as well.
Models
customised for Pakistani needs are called Z-9EC. There are seven platforms in
the Pakistan inventory. The helicopters are equipped with Thales production
HS-12 dipping sonar and X-Band KLC-1 radar. The system can detect a target at a
range of 120 kilometres from an altitude of 1000 metres with a cross-section area
of 1000 square metres.
Helicopters
can operate at a maximum range of 792 kilometres, depending on the mission
package and environmental conditions. Endurance is 4 hours and 15 minutes.
Z-9ECs
can be equipped with guided missiles and the ET52 324-millimetre torpedo.
Torpedoes and Anti-Submarine Warfare Weapons in Pakistan
Inventory
Due
to the embargoes imposed by the USA, the Pakistan Navy has procured navy
weapons from various countries, especially China. Germany, the United States,
the United Kingdom, China, France and Turkey are among the countries that
provide weapons and supplies to Pakistan. It is also on the agenda to integrate
guided missiles developed with domestic means on platforms. In terms of the
products used in the navy inventory, the most dominant ones are the systems of
Chinese origin.
In
this part of the article, only anti-submarine warfare weapons are included
since this document is focused on underwater warfare. Sonar commenting
capability varies depending on factors such as environmental conditions, sea
conditions, energy status of the ship, personnel training and experience level.
For this reason, the performance values of sonar systems are excluded.
A) Federal Republic
of Germany Origin Systems
1) DM2A4 Torpedo
Within
the scope of the modernisation carried out under the contractors of
Turkey-based STM, modern torpedo capability was provided to Agosta 90B class
submarines. In this context, DM2A4 torpedoes of German origin were integrated
into the platforms.
Torpedoes,
whose propulsion system has been modernised compared to their predecessors, can
reach 50,000 metres range at 50 knots speed and 90,000 metres at 25 knots. The
6,550 millimetres long 533-millimetre heavy torpedo is highly resistant to jamming
and countermeasures. The system can be guided via fibre optic cable. The
acoustic signature of the system, which has a five-bladed fibreglass propeller
and fin structure, is low.
The
torpedo was designed considering the conditions of the Baltic Sea. For this reason,
it is known to be effective in shallow waters. The guidance system can scan 100
degrees laterally and 24 degrees vertically. The weapon, which has a
260-kilogramme PBX warhead, is driven by a high-frequency electric motor supported
by a closed-circuit cooling system fed by silver-zinc oxide batteries.
An
impact or magnetic-type proximity fuse is preferred in the system, also
equipped with an active guidance option. Warhead and trigger mechanisms are
resistant to electromagnetic pulses.
B) The United States Origin Systems
1) Mark 46 Torpedo
Mark
46 torpedoes are suitable for use against high-performance submarines. The weapon’s
resistance to jamming in shallow waters was increased with the NEARTIP
programme in 1989, and the Mod5A model was developed.
The
torpedo is supported by a computer infrastructure that can distinguish echoes
between the surface and the floor. For safety in launching from ships, the Mod
5 model of the torpedo activates its fuse after a safety distance of 15.25 meters.
It uses liquid fuel, which requires caution for maintenance and storage.
Weapons,
which can also be released from helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, are
launched from Mark 32 tubes on Pakistan Navy ships.
The 324-millimetre Mark 46 anti-submarine warfare torpedo is 2,590 millimetres long and weighs 235 kilogrammes. Depending on the sea conditions, the gun can reach 45 knots maximum speed and 9.250 metres maximum range. Depending on environmental conditions, the system can attack targets at up to 400 metres in depth. The torpedo has an active-passive guidance system and a high-explosive warhead weighing 44.5 kilogrammes.
C) Systems
Originating in the People’s Republic of China
1) Type 87
Anti-Submarine Warfare Rocket System
There
are six launchers in the Type 87 Anti-Submarine Warfare Rocket system developed
by China. The hardware is also known by the name FQF-3200. The design adopted
an infrastructure that can be directed to targets in different directions
simultaneously with the autonomous system. Systems were developed from the Type
61, produced by the reverse-engineering method of the Russian RBU 1200
anti-submarine warfare rockets.
The
systems, which are used in pairs so that the ships can be engaged from both
sides on the bow, have a fire control infrastructure. Status, speed, heading,
depth and distance information related to the detected target; loaded to
ammunition before launch. This way, it aims to detonate the rocket at the
optimum distance to the target.
The
rockets with a diameter of 252 millimetres are 1,230 millimetres in length.
They can reach a maximum 1,200 metres range and weighs 71 kilogrammes. The
ammunition, which does not have a guidance system, has 30-kilogramme
high-explosive warhead.
2) ET-52 Anti-Submarine Warfare Torpedo
It
is thought that the weapon developed from the Mod 2 variant of the Italian-origin
Alenia A244-S light torpedo. It is possible that the system also benefited from
the knowledge and experience gained from the Mark 46 torpedo technology.
Developed
on the best specifications of both torpedoes, the ET-52 is estimated to have
reverse-engineered parts to reduce maintenance, simplify production, and reduce
logistical footprint. The electric-driven system can be launched from ships.
The ET-52 anti-submarine warfare torpedo is 324
millimetres in diameter. The weapon is 2,600 millimetres in length and weighs
235 kilogrammes. Depending on the sea conditions, the torpedo can reach a 30
knots top speed and reach 6,000 metres range. Depending on environmental
conditions, the system can attack targets at up to 400 metres in depth. The
torpedo has a guidance system and a 34-kilogramme high-explosive warhead.
3) Yu-6 Heavy Torpedo
Claimed
to be equivalent to the American Mark 48 systems, the torpedo was developed
against both surface and underwater targets. It is claimed that the system can
operate in deeper waters than any previously developed Chinese torpedo.
Some
reports have been on using modern, high-capacity processors in Yu-6 torpedoes.
The weapons, which have a similar number of transducer systems as in the Mark
48, are wire and acoustically guided, allowing mode change when necessary
depending on the user’s preference. Yu-6 is thought to have a modular
architecture. The torpedo is expected to enter the Pakistani inventory together
with Hangor class submarines.
Like
many modern counterparts, the system has a double counter-rotation propeller
due to range and energy efficiency concerns. The torpedo is driven by liquid
fuel, requiring the utmost maintenance and storage care.
The
533-millimetre diameter Yu-6 heavy torpedo is approximately 6,700 millimetres in
length. Depending on the sea conditions, the system can reach 65 knots speed and
a 45,000 metres maximum range at cruising speed. It can be considered that the
system was developed for attacking aircraft carrier task groups in terms of its
structure. The torpedo has an active/passive acoustic seeker, wire guidance,
wake guidance system, and high explosive warhead.
4) Yu-7
Anti-Submarine Warfare Torpedo
The
weapon, developed by synthesising the United States-origin Mark 46 and Italian
A244-S torpedoes, is launched from B515 tubes on ships.
Liquid
fuel, which requires maximum storage and maintenance attention, was preferred
for the weapon, which is suitable for use amongst the Z-9EC helicopters that
also serve in the Pakistani inventory. The weapon’s propulsion, launched from
Type 7423 tubes, is provided by two counter-rotating propellers.
The Yu-7 anti-submarine warfare torpedo is 324 millimetres in diameter, 2,600 millimetres in length and weighs 235 kilogrammes. Depending on the sea conditions, the system can reach 43 knots speed and reach 14,000 metres maximum range. Depending on environmental conditions, the system can attack targets at up to 400 metres in depth. Torpedo has an active-passive acoustic guidance system, and a high-explosive warhead weighs 45 kilogrammes.
D) Systems Originating in the French Republic
1) F 17 Mod 2
The
weapon, originating from the French Republic, is used in Pakistan’s Agosta 70
and Agosta 90B platforms.
The
electrically driven system, powered by silver-zinc oxide batteries, is equipped
with counter-rotation double propulsion for energy efficiency.
The
F17 Mod 2 heavy torpedo is 533 millimetres in diameter and 5,400 millimetres in
length. The weapon weighs 1,410 kilogrammes. Depending on the sea conditions,
the system can reach a 40 knots speed and 20,000 metres maximum range. It is
known that distance can increase by about 45% when speed is reduced. Depending
on environmental conditions, the system can attack targets at up to 600 metres in
depth. Torpedo has an active-passive acoustic guidance system as well as wire
guidance. The weapon has a 250-kilogramme Hexolite-3 warhead.
2) L5 Mod 3
The
Mod 3 variant, a submarine-launched version of the weapon from the French
Republic, is used on Pakistan’s Agosta 70 and Agosta 90B platforms. Systems are
known to have high seeking capacity.
Thomson
CSF active/passive panoramic seeker allows use in different pre-programmed
attack profiles. The hardware can also be programmed to scan for specific sonar
signatures and automatically attack. The electrically driven system, powered by
silver-zinc oxide batteries, is equipped with counter-rotation double
propulsion for energy conservation. The short range of the system is seen as
its most crucial handicap.
The
L5 Mod 3 heavy torpedo is 533 millimetres in diameter and 4,400 millimetres
long. The weapon weighs 1,310 kilograms. Depending on the sea conditions, the system
can reach 35 knots speed and 7,000 metres maximum range. The system can attack
targets up to 550 meters in depth, depending on environmental conditions. The
torpedo has an active-passive acoustic guidance system and a 150-kilogram HBX-3
or TNT warhead.