SOURCE: AFI
Following the initial unveiling by popular open-source intelligence expert Damien Symon, new images have emerged showcasing the near-completion of Pakistan’s first spy ship, PNS Rizwan. Constructed by the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), this vessel marks a significant enhancement in Pakistan’s naval intelligence capabilities.
The PNS Rizwan, originally designated as an offshore supply ship, measures 87.2 meters in length with a beam of 19 meters. The ship features three prominent domes, believed to house sophisticated tracking equipment and radars. These features suggest that PNS Rizwan is equipped to perform extensive surveillance and intelligence-gathering missions, a critical facet in modern naval warfare.
The introduction of PNS Rizwan into the Pakistan Navy’s fleet is seen as a direct countermeasure to India’s INS Dhruv, which was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 2021. INS Dhruv has been pivotal for India, providing capabilities to monitor satellite and ballistic nuclear missile activities, not just for its own defense but also for international strategic interests.
The PNS Rizwan’s capabilities are expected to include:
- Telemetry and Data Collection: Similar to INS Dhruv, it likely has the equipment to track missile trails and gather telemetry data, vital for analyzing missile performance and enemy capabilities.
- Electronic Warfare: The radar domes suggest capabilities in electronic intelligence (ELINT) and signals intelligence (SIGINT), allowing Pakistan to intercept and analyze foreign communications and electronic signals.
- Strategic Deterrence: By enhancing its surveillance capabilities, Pakistan aims to strengthen its strategic deterrence, particularly in the Indian Ocean Region, where tensions with India are notable.
The deployment of PNS Rizwan alters the security calculus in the region, introducing new layers to the already complex naval interactions between India and Pakistan. The ship’s ability to gather intelligence could shift the balance in naval intelligence, potentially affecting how military operations are conducted near contested maritime spaces.
While the exact operational specifications of PNS Rizwan remain under wraps, its induction is a clear signal of Pakistan’s intent to modernize its navy with an eye on regional power dynamics. This development is part of a broader trend where nations are investing heavily in intelligence-gathering vessels to secure strategic advantages.
India, having already integrated INS Dhruv into its naval operations, is likely to monitor the activities of PNS Rizwan closely. The strategic rivalry between India and Pakistan means that any advancement in one country’s naval capabilities prompts a reevaluation of defense strategies by the other.