ISLAMABAD: The launching ceremony of first indigenously designed ship Fast Attack Craft (Missile)-4 for Pakistan Navy was held at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KS&EW).

Minister for Defence Production Zubaida Jalal was the chief guest on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Zubaida Jalal said her ministry was striving for establishment of new shipyards for economic development of the country.

She said that KS&EW was one of the few public sector industries which had made remarkable turnaround in the last decade and transformed into a sustainable profit generating entity of the Ministry for Defence Production.

“In view of the future economic growth of the country, the ministry is vigorously pursuing establishment of new shipyards,” she said. She said that the missile craft would effectively safeguard the sea frontiers of the country.

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The ship is missile craft which will be equipped with multi mission and latest anti-ship missiles and sensors.

FAC (M) – 4 is a state of the art, multi mission vessel having length of 63 m and displacement of over 560 tons. It is propelled by four shafts and has speed of 30 knots. The vessel has been indigenously designed by Maritime Technologies Complex (MTC).

According to a spokesperson of Pakistan Navy, Managing Director Shipyard Rear Admiral Ather Saleem highlighted the project of ship manufacturing and termed it a milestone towards self-reliance at the country level.

Rear Admiral Ather Saleem thanked MoDP and Pakistan Navy for their continued support. He further added that during recent years, KS&EW had completed various projects at par with international quality standards.

“As a result, Pakistan Navy has reposed its confidence in Karachi Shipyard by awarding construction contracts for MILGEM Class ships, HANGOR class submarines and Bollard Tugs. Construction of both Tugs has commenced while preparations for construction of MILGEM Class ships and HANGOR class submarines are progressing as per plan,” he said.

He assured that KS&EW was committed to complete all the challenging projects on time, within allocated budget while meeting international quality standard.

The ceremony was attended by large number high ranking officials / dignitaries from federal and provisional governments, Pakistan Navy and KS&EW.