China hands over first Sword-class frigate to Pakistan
The Pakistan Navy received the first of four new naval frigates being built by China on 30 July in a deal intended to bolster Pakistan's naval capability. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Noman Bashir, speaking at the handover ceremony for the frigate, PNS Zulfiqar , in Shanghai, said: "The F-22P frigate project is the manifestation of everlasting strategic partnership between Pakistan and China." "The addition of these new ships will not only strengthen the Pakistan Navy fleet with much-needed potential, but will also contribute in enhancing the country's shipbuilding capabilities," the Pakistan Navy said in a statement
[first posted to http://jdw.janes.com - 31 July 2009]
