9th Auxiliary Squadron
{{Short description|Pakistan Navy squadron responsible for auxiliary operations}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name = 9th Auxiliary Squadron
| image =
| caption =
| dates =
| country = Pakistan
| allegiance = Pakistan Navy
| branch =
| type = Auxiliary fleet
| role = Logistical support, naval mining, fuel replenishment
| size = 9 ships (as of 2024)
| command_structure = Pakistan Navy
| garrison =
| garrison_label =
| equipment = List
| equipment_label = Ships
| battles =
| battlehonours =
| decorations =
| notable_commands =
| current_commander =
| insignia =
| identification =
}}
The 9th Auxiliary Squadron, also referred to in the media as the 9th Auxiliary and Mine Warfare Squadron,{{efn|According to the [https://www.paknavy.gov.pk/9auxliary.html official website], PNS Nasr and PNS Moawin are ships of the 9th Auxiliary Squadron, while news sources ([https://tribune.com.pk/story/1352564/pakistan-naval-ships-arrive-sri-lanka-goodwill-visit The Express Tribune], [https://www.defenceturkey.com/en/content/together-for-peace-aman-19-multinational-naval-exercise-pakistan-turkey-defence-cooperation-3454 Defence Turkey Magazine], [https://arynews.tv/pakistan-navy-ships-nasr-saif-on-goodwill-visit-to-sri-lanka/ ARY News]) refer to the same ships as belonging to the 9th Auxiliary and Mine Warfare Squadron, indicating that both designations refer to the same squadron under different titles.}} is one of the six squadrons of the Pakistan Navy and serves as one of the two units responsible for auxiliary fleet operations. It is the largest squadron under the Surface Fleet, officially referred to as the Surface Warriors, based on the number of ships. The squadron is primarily designed to provide logistical support and operational assistance to warships. It consists of nine ships, including two fleet tankers, two coastal tankers, two small utility ships, and three minehunters.{{cite web | title=PN Dimensions: Surface Warriors | website=Pakistan Navy Official Website | url=https://www.paknavy.gov.pk/fleet.html | access-date=30 Dec 2024}}{{cite web | title=9th Auxiliary Squadron | website=Pakistan Navy Official Website | url=https://www.paknavy.gov.pk/9auxliary.html | access-date=30 Dec 2024}}
The 9th Auxiliary Squadron, with its leading ship PNS Nasr,{{cite web | title=Pakistan Navy hands over counter-piracy force command to Japan | website=DAWN.COM | date=2017-03-11 | url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1319764 | access-date=2024-12-31}} contributes to long-range helicopter operations, equipped with anti-ship missiles and torpedoes for both offensive and defensive roles.{{cite web | title=Pakistani naval ships PNS Nasr and PNS Khaiber in Sri Lanka on goodwill visit | website=Sri Lanka's only national business newspaper | date=2013-10-28 | url=https://www.ft.lk/article/206368/Www.aquavista.lk | access-date=2024-12-31}}
Mission
The squadron includes two fleet tankers, PNS Moawin and PNS Nasr, which provide logistical support to Pakistan Navy vessels operating in distant waters. These tankers are responsible for replenishing fuel, provisions, and other supplies, enabling extended maritime deployments.{{cite web | title=Fleet tankers | website=Pakistan Navy Official Website | date=1987-08-01 | url=https://www.paknavy.gov.pk/fleet_tankers.html | access-date=2024-12-31}}
The coastal resupply capability of the squadron is provided by two indigenously built first-generation coastal tankers, PNS Gwadar and PNS Kalmat. These vessels are designed for fuel and cargo transportation along Pakistan's coastline and to nearby regions.{{cite web | title=Coastal tankers | website=Pakistan Navy Official Website | date=1984-11-05 | url=https://www.paknavy.gov.pk/coastal_tankers.html | access-date=2024-12-31}}
The squadron also operates two second-generation small tankers (small tanker-cum-utility ships (STUS)), PNS Rasadgar and PNS Madadgar, which were designed and built domestically. These vessels are responsible for utility support and enable the Navy's coastal replenishment capacity.{{cite web | last=Maneuverability | first=Excellent | last2=PNS | first2=spacious layout. | title=STUS | website=Pakistan Navy Official Website | date=2011-07-19 | url=https://www.paknavy.gov.pk/stus.html | access-date=2024-12-31}} PNS Rasadgar is the sister ship of PMSS Kashmir.{{cite web | title=WAM | website=وكالة أنباء الإمارات | url=https://www.wam.ae/en/article/hszrbtdx-regional-maritime-security-priority-for-pakistan | access-date=2024-12-31}} Both ships built and designed by Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works, were inducted in the navy in 2011.{{cite web | title=Three ships inducted in PN fleet | website=DAWN.COM | date=2011-07-19 | url=https://www.dawn.com/news/645277/newspaper/column | access-date=2024-12-31}}
Mine warfare capability within the squadron is provided by three Éridan class MCMVs—PNS Munsif, PNS Muhafiz, and PNS Mujahid. These vessels are equipped with advanced mine detection and neutralization systems. While PNS Munsif and PNS Muhafiz were built in France, PNS Mujahid was constructed in Pakistan.{{cite web | title=MCMVs | website=Pakistan Navy Official Website | date=1989-07-28 | url=https://www.paknavy.gov.pk/MCMVS.html | access-date=2024-12-31}}
Active ships
{{see also|:Category:Auxiliary ships of the Pakistan Navy}}
| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; text-align:center; border-collapse:collapse;" |
| style="background:#aabccc; font-weight:bold;"
! Class !! Image !! Name !! Origin !! In service |
| colspan="5" style="background:#ddeeff; font-size:110%;" | Fleet tankers |
|---|
| Type 905
| File:UG-LK Photowalk - Colombo Harbour - 2017-03-12 (1).jpg | PNS Nasr | {{flag|China}} | 1987–present |
| Replenishment oiler
| {{flag|Pakistan}} | 2018–present |
| colspan="5" style="background:#ddeeff; font-size:110%;" | Coastal tankers |
| Fuel tank (replenishment)
| {{flag|Pakistan}} | 1984–present |
| Fuel tank (replenishment)
| {{flag|Pakistan}} | 1992–present |
| colspan="5" style="background:#ddeeff; font-size:110%;" | Small tanker-cum-utility ships (STUS) |
| Kashmir-class
| File:Image not available.png | {{flag|Pakistan}} | 2011–present |
| Unknown
| File:Image not available.png | {{flag|Pakistan}} | 2011–present |
| colspan="5" style="background:#ddeeff; font-size:110%;" | Mine countermeasure vessels (MCMVs) |
| Éridan class
| File:PNS MUNSIF (M166) (formerly Sagittaire (M650)) Conducting MCM Operations Off Makran Coast.jpg | {{flag|France}} | 1989–present |
| Adjutant-class minesweeper
| File:Image not available.png | {{flag|France}} | 1992–present |
| Éridan class
| File:Image not available.png | {{flag|Pakistan}} | 1998–present |
Footnotes
{{notelist}}