Z9EC Anti Submarine Warfare Helicopters Inducted Into Pakistan Navy

September 30th, 2009: Pakistan Navy has acquired Anti Submarine Warfare (ASW) helicopters Z9EC from China. Induction ceremony was held Wednesday at Naval Aviation Base. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Noman Bashir was chief guest. This is first batch of series of six helicopters to be procured as per the contract signed with M/s China National Aero Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC).

Z9EC helicopters have been built according to specific requirements of Pakistan Navy and capable to detect and destroy submarines. They are configured to carry torpedoes, fitted with state of art Pulse Compression Radar, Low Frequency Dipping Sonar, Radar Warning Receiver & Doppler Navigation System. Later talking to newsmen, Admiral Noman Bashir said these days Indian Ocean is experiencing intense activity and around 100 ships from different countries are operating at all times for safeguarding their interests. These extraordinary developments are indicator of importance of trade routes in these waters. Pakistan Navy is also conducting continuous deployment of ships and aircraft to guarantee guarding the country’s maritime interests, he stated.

 Commenting on regional stability, Naval Chief denied being part of any arms race but expressed resolve to maintain quality in naval platforms and enhancement of capabilities in consonance with developments in the region. He expressed his full confidence in Chinese technology and termed it compatible to Western. "Pak-China relationship is time-tested and would further be strengthened with such defence collaborations like F-22 P frigates and Z9EC helicopters projects.’’ Commander Pakistan Fleet Rear Admiral Asif Sandila highlighted salient features of Z9EC project. Apart from China, Pakistan is first country that would be operating these helicopters in anti submarine warfare role. Later, helicopters made fly past and staged demonstration of its characteristics and maneuverability.

The ceremony was attended by Chinese ambassador to Pakistan Luo Zhao Hui, representatives of M/s CATIC, large number of senior naval officers and Aviators of Pakistan Navy.