Thread by @battle_machines

Okay, being neutral means covering both sides so here is a #PakistanNavy thread. They have bridged a big capability vs #IndianNavy in 2022. They inducted the first of the 4 #Type054AP frigates in Jan 2022 and 2nd in June 2022.

These sport 32 cells of HQ-16, Chinese derivatives of the naval Shtil-VL seen on Russian Admiral Grigorovich class frigates. They also sport 4 AShMs although the OG Type 054 can carry 8 AShMs.

Why are these a concern for India? These are a great 1 to 1 comparison to #IndianNavy 's #Talwarclass as they displace within 100-200 tonnes of each other
1. They have 32 SAM, medium range which is 8 more than the obsolete single arm launchers on 6 Talwar class in service carry.

2. Its primary SR2410C radar is IMO inferior to the Top Plate on Talwar, else the Chinese Type 054As wouldnt have Chinese version of Top Plates on the newest ships. IMO it is a cost saving measure going with a corvette sized radar, against what Pakistani sources claim.
3. It does

3. have a secondary radar, something Talwar lacks on its heli hangar.
4. It carries only 4 AShMs vs 8 on Talwars, possibly a cost a saving measure but the YJ-12s are no slouch being supersonic AShMs.

Summary
1. Type 054AP has superior VLS SAM compared to Talwar
2. Type 054AP has fewer but potent AShM
3. Type 054AP (IMO) have an inferior primary radar but have a secondary radar that can be useful
Overall, these are a big capability jump over the F-22P frigates of #PakistanNavy

What do you guys think? @Firezstarter1 @KSingh_1469 @Duorope @Defencematrix1 @VinodDX9 @Sandeep_Mave @YusufDFI @Kuntal__biswas @alpha_defense @Indrani1_Roy