25th Destroyer Squadron
{{Short description|Destroyer squadron in the Pakistan Navy}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name = 25th Destroyer Squadron
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| country = Pakistan
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| branch = Pakistan Navy
| type = Destroyer squadron
| role = Surface combatant
| size = 7 ships (as of 2024)
| command_structure = Fleet Command
| garrison = Karachi, Pakistan
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| equipment = List
| equipment_label = Ships
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| commander1 = Rear Admiral Abdul Munib
| commander1_label= Commander, Pakistan Fleet
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| aircraft_helicopter = Alouette helicopter
Z9EC helicopter
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The 25th Destroyer Squadron (DESRON-25) is one of the two destroyer squadrons in the Pakistan Navy and is part of the six total squadrons in the fleet. It is the largest squadron in the navy, second only to the 9th Auxiliary Squadron in terms of ship count and the largest squadron by role.{{cite web | title=PN Dimensions: Surface Warriors | website=Pakistan Navy Official Website | url=https://www.paknavy.gov.pk/fleet.html | access-date=29 Dec 2024}} It comprises a fleet of various destroyers, including Tariq-class destroyers, Yarmook-class corvettes, Tughri, and Zulfiquar-class frigates. The Squadron previously operated a fleet six Tariq-class destroyers tasked with various roles, including anti-aircraft, anti-submarine, and anti-surface warfare.{{cite web | title=25th Destroyer Squadron | website=Pakistan Navy Official Website | date=28 Jul 1993 | url=https://www.paknavy.gov.pk/25destroyer.html | access-date=29 Dec 2024}} The squadron is responsible to the Fleet Command, operating under the commander, Pakistan Fleet.{{cite web | title=Pakistan Navy Official Website | website=paknavy.gov.pk | date=2021-06-02 | url=https://www.paknavy.gov.pk/admin_Authorities.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602035428/https://www.paknavy.gov.pk/admin_Authorities.html | archive-date=2021-06-02 | url-status=live | access-date=2021-09-10}}
The 25th Destroyer Squadron is one of the primary surface fleets of the Navy, alongside other operational squadrons such as the 9th Auxiliary Squadron – comprising nine ships,{{cite web | title=9th Auxiliary Squadron | website=Pakistan Navy Official Website | url=https://www.paknavy.gov.pk/9auxliary.html | access-date=29 Dec 2024}} the 10th Patron Squadron – which includes missile boats,{{cite web | title=10th Patron Squadron | website=Pakistan Navy Official Website | date=24 Apr 2012 | url=https://www.paknavy.gov.pk/10patron.html | access-date=29 Dec 2024}} the 21st Auxiliary Squadron (AUXRON-21); responsible for survey and dredging operations in area of responsibility (AOR) at sea,{{cite web | title=21 Auxron Squadron | website=Pakistan Navy Official Website | date=15 Aug 2008 | url=https://www.paknavy.gov.pk/21auxron.html | access-date=29 Dec 2024}} the Fast Patrol Craft Squadron, and the 18th Destroyer Squadron. They are officially referred to as the surface warriors.
History
The formation date of the 25th Destroyer Squadron is not widely documented. However, the squadron operated a UK-built O-class destroyer HMPS Tughtil in 1950 and a US-built Gearing-class destroyer PNS ''Tughtil in 1980.{{cite web | last=Johum | first=Anoshka | title=a force multiplier | website=The Nation | date=13 Nov 2021 | url=https://www.nation.com.pk/13-Nov-2021/pns-tughril-a-force-multiplier | access-date=29 Dec 2024}} The squadron later operated a fleet of Type 21 frigates, which were acquired from the United Kingdom and inducted into the navy between 1993 and 1995. Since their induction, these ships underwent modernization upgrades, incorporating advanced weapons and sensor systems to enhance their capability in modern naval operations.
Active ships
The 25th Destroyer Squadron currently consists of the following ships:
File:US Navy 100831-N-8590G-006 The U.S. and Pakistan national anthems are played during the decommissioning ceremony of USS McInerney (FFG 8) at Naval Station Mayport.jpg USS McInerney at Naval Station Mayport, the U.S. and Pakistan national anthems is being played. During the ceremony, McInerney was officially commissioned into the Pakistan Navy as PNS Alamgir (F260).]]
File:Chinese Helicopter Lands on HMS Cornwall MOD 45150752.jpg
- PNS Tabuk – It is Yarmook-class warship equipped with advanced weapons and sensors designed to operate under various maritime threats. She is commanded by Captain Irfan Bashir TI(M).{{cite web | title=Pakistani naval ship Tabuk visits Oman on overseas deployment | website=Arab News | date=3 Jan 2022 | url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1997091/pakistan | access-date=29 Dec 2024}} She has been registered with the Pakistan Navy since 2020, according to MarineTraffic.{{cite web | title=Ship PNS TABUK (Patrol Vessel) Registered in Pakistan | website=MarineTraffic.com | url=https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/details/ships/shipid:6399062/mmsi:463463463/imo:4736504/vessel:PNS_TABUK | access-date=29 Dec 2024}}
- PNS Shah Jahan – It is a large frigate of the navy, measuring 134.1 meters in length. It operates with a crew of 169 personnel. She is built by the China joined the Pakistan Navy in June 2023. She is currently commanded by Captain Mubashir Nazir Farooqi.{{cite web | last=Navy | first=Sri Lanka | title=Sri Lanka Navy | website=The official website of Sri Lanka Navy | date=2 Jun 2023 | url=https://news.navy.lk/eventnews/2023/06/02/202306021300/ | access-date=29 Dec 2024}}{{cite web | title=Newly commissioned Naval ship PNS Shahjahan arrives in Karachi from China | website=Pakistan Today | date=9 Jun 2023 | url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2023/06/09/newly-commissioned-from-china-pns-shahjahan-arrives-in-karachi/ | access-date=29 Dec 2024}} As part of the 25th Destroyer Squadron, she operates in the North Arabian Sea, focusing on safeguarding international shipping lanes.{{cite web | title=Pakistan Navy Ship PNS Shahjahan visits Muscat | website=The News International | date=24 Jul 2019 | url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/502951-pakistan-navy-ship-pns-shahjahan-visits-muscat | access-date=29 Dec 2024}}
- PNS Tippu Sultan – Tughril-class frigate is a Chinese built ship with a displacement of 4,200 tonnes and is 134 meters long with a 16-meter beam. Powered by a combined diesel and diesel system (CODAD), it uses four Shaanxi 16 PA6 STC diesel engines, each producing 5,700 kW of power. This setup allows the ship to achieve a speed of 27 knots and travel up to 8,025 nautical miles on a single journey. The frigate is staffed by a crew of 165 personnel. It was inducted in the navy in July 2023.{{cite web | title=Pakistan Navy inducts Chinese built frigates PNS Tippu Sultan & PNS Shah Jahan | website=Army Recognition | date=29 Dec 2024 | url=https://armyrecognition.com/news/navy-news/2023/pakistan-navy-inducts-chinese-built-pns-tippu-sultan-pns-shah-jahan | access-date=29 Dec 2024}}{{cite web | title=Joint Tri-Services Exercise Gulf Shield-1: Pakistan Navy ships arrive at Port Jubail, KSA | website=Brecorder | date=1 Apr 2018 | url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/4589932/joint-tri-services-exercise-gulf-shield-1-pakistan-navy-ships-arrive-at-port-jubail-ksa-20180401356783 | access-date=29 Dec 2024}} She is regarded as one of the leading ships of the 25th Squadron.{{cite web | title=Pakistan naval vessel docks at Muscat port | website=Gulf News: Latest UAE news, Dubai news, Business, travel news, Dubai Gold rate, prayer time, cinema | date=9 Jul 2007 | url=https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/oman/pakistan-naval-vessel-docks-at-muscat-port-1.188969 | access-date=29 Dec 2024}}
- PNS Alamgir – It joined the 25th Destroyer Squadron on 31 August 2010 after being transferred from Mayport, Florida, USA to Pakistan. It is a multi-mission frigate equipped with a Z9EC helicopter.{{cite web | title=Pakistan Navy ship to participate in naval exercise in Turkey |date=18 Nov 2016 | url=https://arynews.tv/pakistan-navy-ship-to-participate-in-naval-exercise-in-turkey/ | access-date=29 Dec 2024}}
- PNS Aslat – It is a Zulfiquar-class frigate, inducted into the 25th Destroyer Squadron in 2013. She is commanded by Captain Muhammad Azhar Akram. PNS Aslat operates with a crew of 280 personnel.{{cite web | title=Pakistan Naval Ship visits Portsmouth | website=Royal Navy | date=18 Jul 2018 | url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news/2018/july/18/180718-pakistan-naval-ship-visits-portsmouth | access-date=29 Dec 2024}}
- PNS Khaibar – It was inducted into the navy in November 2022. While the full specifications of the Pakistan MILGEM-class ships remain unknown, PNS Khaibar is reportedly equipped with a 16-cell vertical launch system (VLS) positioned behind the main gun, as well as MBDA's Albatros NG air defence system and Harbah anti-ship and land-attack missiles.{{cite web | last=Ozberk | first=Tayfun | title=Istanbul Naval Shipyard launches MILGEM Corvette "PNS KHAIBAR" for Pakistan Navy | website=Naval News | date=25 Nov 2022 | url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2022/11/istanbul-naval-shipyard-launches-milgem-corvette-pns-khaibar-for-pakistan-navy/ | access-date=29 Dec 2024}} The ship is also equipped with an Alouette helicopter.{{cite web | title=Pakistan Navy Ship Saif visits Port Alexandria in Egypt | date=14 Sep 2018 | url=https://arynews.tv/pakistan-navy-ship-saif-visits-port-alexandria-egypt/ | access-date=29 Dec 2024 |website= ARY TV}}
- PNS Tariq – As part of the MILGEM project, she was inducted in navy in August 2023. She has a displacement of 2,926 tonnes, with a length of 108.2 meters, a beam of 14.8 meters, and a draft of 4.05 meters. It is powered by a combined diesel and gas (CODAG) propulsion system, allowing the ship to reach a maximum speed of 31 knots. The vessel has a range of 3,500 nautical miles and can operate at sea for up to 15 days without resupply. It is crewed by a complement of 93, with an additional 40 personnel for specialized roles.{{cite web | title=Pakistan launches 4th PN MILGEM Corvette PNS TARIQ (283) | website=Naval News | date=2 Aug 2023 | url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/08/pakistan-launches-4th-pn-milgem-corvette-pns-tariq-283/ | access-date=29 Dec 2024}}{{cite web | last=Hasan | first=Shazia | title=Navy decommissions historic warship after 30 years of service | website=DAWN.COM | date=6 Aug 2023 | url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1768566 | access-date=29 Dec 2024}}
Former ships
File:PNS SHAHJAHAN.JPEG PNS Shah Jahan, underway participating in Operation Inspired Siren, 2005]]
File:PNS Tippu Sultan former HMS Avenger.jpg maneuvers as it approaches the Military Sealift Command's support ship, USNS Supply. The two ships demonstrate precise coordination, with PNS Tippu Sultan ready to receive essential supplies in 2006.]]
- PNS Tariq – It was equipped to perform various roles, including anti-submarine warfare. It was also armed with exocet surface-to-surface missiles for engaging enemy ships. She was inducted in navy during the period of prime minister Benazir Bhutto and participated in the Falklands War. The ship was active from 1993 until decommissioned in August 2023.
- PNS Babur – Inducted in 1993, it was the lead ship of the Type-21 frigate class. It served as the flagship of the Pakistan Navy and participated in the Indo-Pakistani war of 1965 and 1971. It was maneuverable, capable of reaching a top speed of 30 knots in just 60 seconds. The ship was active from 1993 until decommissioned in 2014.{{cite web | title=x.com | website=X (formerly Twitter) | url=https://x.com/RupakChatto/status/1644720160706646018 | access-date=29 Dec 2024}}
- PNS Khaibar – It was primarily equipped for anti-air warfare (AAW) and ASW, with limited anti-surface warfare (ASuW) capability. The ship was active from 1994 until decommissioned in 2022.
- PNS Badr – It was equipped with modern weapons and sensor system. The ship was active from 1994 until decommissioned in 2014.{{cite web | title=Pakistan's Navy: A Quick Look | website=Center for International Maritime Security | date=23 Mar 2016 | url=https://cimsec.org/pakistans-navy-quick-look/ | access-date=29 Dec 2024}}
- PNS Shah Jahan – The ship was active from 1994 until decommissioned in 2021.
- PNS Tippu Sultan – It was a guided missile destroyer, commissioned in 1994. It underwent significant engineering modernization at the PN Dockyard, completed by the end of 2008.{{cite web | last=Digital | first=Times Now | title=Why Did Pakistan Name Its Navy Ship After Tipu Sultan? Historian's Eye-Opening Answer | website=Times Now | date=12 Dec 2024 | url=https://www.timesnownews.com/world/asia/why-did-pakistan-name-its-navy-ship-after-tipu-sultan-historians-eye-opening-answer-article-116257259 | access-date=29 Dec 2024}}
Notable commanders
{{See also|:Category:Chiefs of Naval Staff (Pakistan)|:Category:Pakistan Navy vice admirals|List of serving admirals of the Pakistan Navy}}
Throughout its history since 1950, some of its commanders became chiefs of the Naval Staff and many others served as commander Fleet and commander Karachi.
{{multiple image
| total_width = 400
| align = left
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| header = Commanders of the 25th Destroyer Squadron who became admiral or vice admiral
| image1 = Chief of The Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf NI(M) Official.jpg
| caption1 = Naveed Ashraf
| image2 = Vice Admiral Muhammad Faisal Abbasi HI(M).jpg
| caption2 = Faisal Abbasi
| image3 = Pakistan Navy Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi.jpg
| caption3 = Zafar Mahmood Abbasi
}}
Many Pakistani admirals, including Faisal Abbasi, Zafar Mahmood Abbasi, and Naveed Ashraf were promoted to the rank of admiral. Abbasi became the commander Karachi.{{cite web | last=Report | first=Recorder | title=Rear Admiral Muhammad Faisal Abbasi takes over as COMPAK commander | website=Brecorder | date=21 Feb 2023 | url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40227538 | access-date=29 Dec 2024}} Ashraf was appointed as the 23rd chief of the Naval Staff.{{cite web | last=Asad | first=Malik | title=Admiral Naveed Ashraf takes charge as naval chief | website=DAWN.COM | date=8 Oct 2023 | url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1779943 | access-date=29 Dec 2024}} Zafar became the 16th chief of the Naval Staff.{{cite web | title=President appoints Vice Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi new CNS | website=The Frontier Post – News From All Frontiers | date=12 Dec 2024 | url=https://thefrontierpost.com/president-appoints-vice-admiral-zafar-mahmood-abbasi-new-cns/ | access-date=29 Dec 2024}}