Pakistan would now locally manufacture gun boats possessing stealth technology, which will be used by Pakistan Navy.

As per details, the gun boat possessing stealth features, armor protection, and capable of achieving high speed will be indigenously designed by Pakistan Navy, while its construction will be undertaken by Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KS&EW).

Furthermore, 02 x Tugs equipped with state of the art machinery, adept to operate in rough weather and capable to conduct salvage operations will also be constructed.

The contract signing ceremony of indigenously designed gun boat and tugs was held at Ministry of Defence Production. The Managing Director KS&EW, Rear Admiral Ather Saleem and Director General Munitions Production, Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Qaiser Janjua signed the contracts. Maj General Akif Iqbal, Additional Secretary Defence Production and Rear Admiral Ovais Ahmed Bilgrami, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Operations) were also present at the occasion.

Speaking at the occasion, MD KS&EW highlighted that projects are manifestation of indigenization and self-sufficiency in defence ship building.

He informed that presently various vessels are under construction at KS&EW including MILGEM Corvette, Fast Attack Craft (Missile) and tugs for Pakistan Navy and Maritime Patrol Vessel for Pakistan Maritime Security Agency.