The Pakistan Navy held the launching ceremony of the PNS Sahiwal Gun Boat at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KS&EW) on Thursday. Vice Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ovais Ahmed Bilgrami, was the chief guest at the event, which marked a significant milestone in the Navy’s indigenization efforts. The ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Navy, Ministry of Defence Production, KS&EW, and the shipbuilding sector.
The PNS Sahiwal has been designed indigenously by the Platform Design Wing (PDW) of the Pakistan Navy and is currently under construction at KS&EW. The vessel will feature high-performance, long-range semi-automatic guns, significantly enhancing its operational capabilities for various maritime missions. The Navy described it as a state-of-the-art gun boat built to strengthen maritime security.
Vice Admiral Bilgrami praised the collaboration between PDW and KS&EW, emphasizing the importance of indigenization in the Navy’s long-term strategy. He also thanked the Ministry of Defence Production for its ongoing support to KS&EW. The Vice Chief highlighted that this launch reflects Pakistan’s growing self-reliance in naval defense manufacturing.
The Gun Boat is designed to perform diverse security tasks, including coastal defense and maritime patrols. Vice Admiral Bilgrami noted that the Navy is considering the production of additional gun boats, which would further boost local shipbuilding and enhance KS&EW’s capabilities. This move aligns with the Navy’s vision to strengthen its fleet through domestic production.
The launch of PNS Sahiwal marks a step forward in Pakistan’s maritime defense. It also underscores the Navy’s commitment to technological advancement and self-sufficiency. Officials are optimistic that such projects will continue to elevate Pakistan’s shipbuilding industry and improve naval security in the region.