China has formally begun the construction of two fast attack missile craft, fast attack craft FAC(M), for the Pakistani Navy (PN) at Xinggang Shipyard in China’s Tianjin city.

The construction follows the contract signed between the Pakistani Navy and the China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Company (CSOC).

Under the contract, construction will take place in line with one craft built in China with the other at Pakistan’s Karachi docks.

The two craft are to be equipped with the latest weapons and sensors, and will further strengthen Pakistan’s naval capabilities.

The first craft is expected to join the PN fleet in October this year.

China is also constructing a number of naval frigates for Pakistan and has delivered three frigates, while the fourth is under construction.