Pakistan Navy inducts 5th ATR aircraft into its naval fleet
The Pakistan Navy marked the induction of its 5th ATR aircraft
with a ceremony at Naval Aviation Base PNS Mehran, Karachi, as reported on
Tuesday. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf presided over the
event.
The newly-inducted ATR aircraft, acquired from PIA, boasts day and
night flying capabilities, enabling it to perform ferry, logistics support,
medical evacuation, general evacuation, and training missions. Pakistan Navy is
actively acquiring ATR aircraft from various sources and modernizing them for
maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare missions at sea.
Report
on operational life of ATR aircraft sought from PIA, CAA
The press release highlighted the cost-effectiveness of the
commercial aircraft in comparison to custom-made military planes, emphasizing
that it is the 5th aircraft obtained for this purpose. Chief of the Naval
Staff, in his remarks during the ceremony, emphasized the evolving
geo-strategic environment in the Indian Ocean Region. He stressed the
importance of maintaining a potent naval force to address emerging challenges,
noting that the induction of modern aircraft enhances Pakistan Navy's
capability to safeguard maritime frontiers.
PIA
administration blamed for two ATR accidents
Commander Pakistan Fleet Vice Admiral Muhammad Faisal Abbasi, in
his welcome address, underscored that the induction of the ATR aircraft ensures
sustained operations from the western seaboard through regular logistics and
personnel movements. The Chief of the Naval Staff later handed over the ATR
documents to Commander Pakistan Fleet, marking the formal inclusion of the
aircraft into the naval fleet.
Source: The Nation