China, Pakistan and Turkey collaborate again! Pakistan is preparing to launch its first “domestically built” Jinnah-class frigate, marking a step in its naval modernization efforts. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf has confirmed the impending launch, which aims to enhance the Pakistan Navy’s operational capabilities. The warship is designed for multi-role operations and will be equipped with advanced sensors, next-generation weapon systems, and the indigenously developed SMASH supersonic missile system, Army recognition confirms. Whilst Pakistan is a Major NATO ally, Turkey is a NATO member, this could be why Pakistan claims the Frigate and missile to be “domestically designed and built”.

The Jinnah-class frigate is expected to bolster Pakistan’s maritime defense and play a key role in regional security dynamics or so Pakistan claims. Its ostensibly capable of conducting anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and air defense operations, the vessel will facilitate Pakistan’s efforts to expand its naval strength. The development of this warship builds on Pakistan’s collaboration with Turkey on the MILGEM-class corvettes, providing valuable experience to its engineers and shipbuilders.

Just like Jinnah class Frigates are from Turkey, SMASH is from China. A key concern for India in Pakistan’s Jinnah-class frigate is its integration of the SMASH missile system, a supersonic weapon designed for both anti-ship and land-attack missions. With a range exceeding 350 kilometers and speeds over Mach 2.5, the SMASH missile enhances Pakistan’s ability to target naval assets with high precision. Its maneuverable reentry vehicle (MaRV) capability makes it a formidable weapon against heavily defended installations, adding a new dimension to Pakistan’s maritime strike capabilities.

The Pakistan Navy recently conducted a test launch of SMASH missile in November last year. According to reports this missile is believed to be a variant of China’s CM-401 Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile (ASBM).

The frigate will also be equipped with a sophisticated vertical launch system (VLS) capable of deploying air defense and surface-to-surface missiles, significantly improving Pakistan’s naval firepower. Additionally, a modern naval gun system will enhance its ability to engage surface and aerial threats, while a close-in weapon system (CIWS) will serve as a defense against incoming missiles and drones. Advanced sonar and torpedo systems will further strengthen the warship’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities, making it a more versatile asset in Pakistan’s naval fleet.

With these developments, India remains vigilant as Pakistan continues to modernize its navy, potentially altering the regional maritime security balance.