Tughril-Class (Type 054A/P) Frigate | Updates & Discussion

[Mohid Afzal]

It is indeed hard to understand. In fact, the fire control radar chosen is an old model that China had already stopped equipping on the Type 054A as early as 2015. It is puzzling why, when the contract was signed in 2017, such a radar — one that had already ceased to be installed on new Type 054A frigates — was selected

Cost is the only reason that comes to mind since it's the main reason why many programs in Pak tri services are delayed.

 

[Michael]

This is a good read. No idea why PN went with SARH LY-80N?

A simple, direct answer:
The H/AKJ-16 VLS equipped on the Type 054A-class frigates supports only the HQ-16 series of SAMs; it does not support any other SAM systems outside of this specific family. (This limitation is a fundamental technical constraint and is entirely unrelated to whether the system is the PLA's domestic-use variant or the export version.)

Within the PLA Navy's operational framework, the H/AKJ-16 VLS is currently deployed exclusively on the Type 054 frigate family and on certain older warships undergoing modernization. These warships are considered peripheral rather than core products in the PLA Navy's tactical positioning. Consequently, defense manufacturers lack the incentive to develop additional compatible munitions for this specific VLS model.

 

[Princeps]

Should have gone for something like this instead. It's based on the Type 054A hull but features an integrated mast with AESA panels and has space for HQ-10 in the back.

 

[ziaulislam]

A simple, direct answer:
The H/AKJ-16 VLS equipped on the Type 054A-class frigates supports only the HQ-16 series of SAMs; it does not support any other SAM systems outside of this specific family. (This limitation is a fundamental technical constraint and is entirely unrelated to whether the system is the PLA's domestic-use variant or the export version.)

Within the PLA Navy's operational framework, the H/AKJ-16 VLS is currently deployed exclusively on the Type 054 frigate family and on certain older warships undergoing modernization. These warships are considered peripheral rather than core products in the PLA Navy's tactical positioning. Consequently, defense manufacturers lack the incentive to develop additional compatible munitions for this specific VLS model.

Poor long term thinking i guess

 

[Gripen9]

A simple, direct answer:
The H/AKJ-16 VLS equipped on the Type 054A-class frigates supports only the HQ-16 series of SAMs; it does not support any other SAM systems outside of this specific family. (This limitation is a fundamental technical constraint and is entirely unrelated to whether the system is the PLA's domestic-use variant or the export version.)

Within the PLA Navy's operational framework, the H/AKJ-16 VLS is currently deployed exclusively on the Type 054 frigate family and on certain older warships undergoing modernization. These warships are considered peripheral rather than core products in the PLA Navy's tactical positioning. Consequently, defense manufacturers lack the incentive to develop additional compatible munitions for this specific VLS model.

Wonder why PN went with this design then.
My guess is funds.
Based on what you have described, it cannot be upgraded later on unless the whole VLS system is removed?

 

[Michael]

Wonder why PN went with this design then.
My guess is funds.
Based on what you have described, it cannot be upgraded later on unless the whole VLS system is removed?

Shipborne air defense missiles rely heavily on the VLS as the launch point; the rest of the entire OODA is deeply integrated with the warship.

If the Pakistani Navy wants to use new air defense missiles beyond its current options, it has two choices:

Option 1: Develop or adapt new munitions without modifying the warship.

Pakistan developing? ------ Not likely.

China developing? ------ The positioning of the Type 054 series frigates corresponding to the H/AKJ-16 VLS within the PLA Navy dictates that its currently adapted munitions are sufficient to fulfill its tactical functions. There is insufficient motivation to continue developing new munitions for it.

The biggest variable: the export version of the Type 054 series frigates. If there are enough customers, or if customers purchase a large quantity, the incentive for defense companies to develop new munitions will significantly increase, driven by commercial interests.

It is particularly important to note that if other aspects of the Type 054A/P frigate's OODA are not upgraded accordingly, then even with the use of new munitions, its actual operational capabilities will be severely limited by this factor.

Option Two: Return the Type 054A/P frigates to Chinese shipyards for a major upgrade.

This is a technically very feasible solution.

We can replace the H/AKJ-16 VLS with the H/HT-1 VLS, and simultaneously upgrade the entire warship's perception, command, and information systems. This would significantly expand the range of usable missiles available to the Type 054A/P frigate. It's not just a substantial expansion of air defense missile options; the selection of land-attack, anti-ship, and anti-submarine munitions would also undergo a revolutionary change.

However, this option presents serious economic problems.

The cost of such a modification is extremely high. Does the Pakistani Navy have sufficient budget? If they do, why not simply purchase Type 052E destroyers?

Furthermore, after this modification, the H/HT-1 VLS, being significantly larger than the H/AKJ-16 VLS, would necessitate a reduction in the number of usable cells.

This is the complete analysis and explanation of the problem.

Btw. Reports indicate that:
China is currently working on adapting the HQ-16FE to a naval version. It will be compatible with the H/AKJ-16 VLS. However, due to the generational differences between the HQ-16FE and other HQ-16 series SAMs, although the H/AKJ-16 VLS may be able to support it, other parts of the entire OODA must be upgraded to use the HQ-16FE.

 

[ghazi52]

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[ghazi52]

Pakistan Navy's guided missile & air defence frigate PNS Taimur has arrived in Colombo, Sri Lanka
5:49 AM · Jun 4, 2026
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