Pakistan Navy Inducts First Long-Range Maritime Patrol Jet

KARACHI: Pakistan Navy inducted its first  modern Long-Range Maritime Patrol (LRMP) twin engine jet aircraft at PNS Mehran naval ais station here. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi led the VIP attendance on the landmark event. The new LRMPs are now called the “Sea Sultans”.

The newly inducted twin engine jet aircraft is a variant of Brazilian built state-of-the-art Embraer 1000E business jet aircraft globally utilised in air operations. The jet is a variant of the Embraer 190 regional airliner.

Two more aircraft of the series have also been contracted by Pakistan Navy. These aircraft will be equipped with latest weapons and sensors to undertake maritime air operations, said a Pakistan Navy statement.

The Naval Chief commended remarkable transition of Pakistan Navy Air Arm from prop to jet age of Long-Range Maritime Patrol Operations. He reassured the nation that Pakistan Navy is fully cognisant of prevailing challenges and is committed to upgrade its combat inventory to generate swift response. He further underscored that Pakistan Navy is committed to safeguard its sea fronts while ensuring conducive maritime environment in the region.

The Pakistan Navy currently operates a fleet of modern ATR72 Sea Eagles and ageing P-3C Orions, for maritime patrol missions, tasks which are set to be replaced by the Sea Sultan LRMPs. –shp/adj/aaa (Photo: Pakistan Navy)