Pakistan - News and Discussion 6

[Naresh]

<b>Accord with Greece to boost security ties: Deal for four frigates</b>

<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->ATHENS, May 15: Greece will provide four frigates to the Pakistan Navy, two of which will be delivered this year, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said here on Monday. The two countries were looking forward to stronger ties in defence and security-related matters and had agreed on the deal, Mr Aziz told the media team accompanying him on his four-nation visit.

Heading a delegation to Athens, including members of his cabinet, senior officials and businessmen, Mr Aziz is scheduled to meet ministers, ship-owners and commerce board members during his two day stay here.

Without giving details of the deal, Mr Aziz said Pakistan was acquiring used frigates. He said two frigates would be delivered this year and the other two in 2007.

The Hellenic Navy uses Elli class frigates and the same will be provided to Pakistan.

Pakistan has been acquiring defence equipment from various countries to meet its defence needs.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

<b>Kortenaer – Elli</b>

The Hellenic Navy has Five Ex Royal Netherlands Navy Frigates.

The Five Frigates with Date of Commissioning :

1. F459 Adrias 07/26/1979 Ex-RNN Callenburgh (F808) – Age 27 Years

2. F460 Aegeon 10/29/1980 Ex-RNN Banckert (F810) – Age 26 Years

3. F461 Navarino 04/24/1980 Ex-RNN V.Kinsbergen (F809) – Age 26 Years

4. F462 Kountouriotis 10/26/1978 Ex-RNN Kortenaer (F807) – Age 28 Years

5. F463 Bouboulina 10/01/1983 Ex-RNN Pieter Florisz (F826) Age 23 Years

As such it seems that the Pakistani Navy is desperate to acquire Naval Vessels and this "Fleet" will have an average age of over 25 Years.

With the nations funds being spent on Bullet-Proof Mercedes Limousines etc. the above vessels should be ready for the Nacker’s Yards and I am sure that the P N Admirals will make Loadsa Dosh when these Firgates are finally sent to Gadani Beach.

On hearing of Pakistan’s acquisition plans of the Four Hellenic Navy’s Frigates, Indian Nany spokesman Alfred E Newman said “<b>What, me worry?</b>

Cheers. <!--emo&:beer--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/cheers.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='cheers.gif' /><!--endemo-->