The Azmat Class Fast Attack Craft (Missile) were constructed for the Pakistan Navy. The first two boats were commissioned between 2012 and 2014, while the third vessel in class is expected to be commissioned in 2016.
The fast attack craft can be deployed in maritime patrol, anti-surface warfare, anti-air warfare, search and rescue (SAR), and anti-piracy missions.
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Azmat Class orders and deliveries
The first fast attack craft, PNS Azmat (1013), was jointly developed by China Shipbuilding and Offshore Company (CSOC) and Xingang Shipyard. It was launched in September 2011 and commissioned into service in April 2012.
The Pakistan Navy entered a transfer of technology (ToT) agreement with CSOC and Xingang Shipyard to build two more vessels at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KS&EW).
The second vessel in class, PNS Dehshat (1014), was launched in August 2012 and inducted into service in June 2014.
First steel was cut for the third missile craft in April 2015, and her keel was laid down at KS&EW in August 2015. Delivery is scheduled for 2016.
Design and features of the fast attack craft
The state-of-the-art vessel incorporates a steel hull and super structure made of aluminium. Built according to the China Classification Society (CSS) rules and guidelines, each ship features a stealthier design integrating modern missile and combat systems, as well as surface search and tracking radars.
The fast attack craft measures 63m long and 8.8m wide, with a design draught of 2.46m and displacement of 560t.
The Azmat class vessels lack aircraft handling facilities due to their compact dimensions. Each ship can complement a crew of 12 to 14.
Naval gun systems
Fitted with a 25mm automatic gun as the main rifle, the Azmat class is also armed with an AK-630 close-in weapon system (CIWS) to protect the ship from incoming anti-ship missiles and other precision-guided weapons.
The AK-630 CIWS is guided by radar and a TV-optical detection and tracking system. The fully-automated gun mount can be remotely operated from either the control cabinet or using a remotely located gun-sight. The CIWS offers a rate of fire of 4,000 to 10,000 rounds a minute and can engage targets within a range of 5,000m.
The vessel is also installed with two batches of tube launchers for firing decoys / chaffs.
Missile systems
The Azmat class is installed with two quadruple missile launchers to fire eight C-802 anti-ship cruise missiles. The C-802 is an extended-range export variant of the Chinese-built YJ-8 anti-ship missile.
The missile is capable of carrying a 165kg time-delayed, semi-armour-piercing, high-explosive warhead. It has a maximum range of 120km and can travel at a speed of Mach 0.9. The C-802 missile is equipped with an inertial and terminal active radar guidance system.
Propulsion
Each Azmat class fast attack missile craft is powered by four diesel engines driving four fixed pitch propellers (FPPs) through a pair of two propulsion shafts. The propulsion system provides high manoeuvrability to the vessel during high-intensity missions.
The ship has a maximum speed of 30k and can attain a range of 1,000nmi.
