I would modify you analysis with this caviate...if the Pakistanis want or need medium range area anti-air coverage, then they need a new frigate to provide it...probably a multi-rile FFG with strong AAW capabilities..
As is it, for ASuW, ASW, and self defense, the ten frigates they have (not including the single OHP they have...and they are supposed to get two more) are actually pretty good.
They have the four new F-22Ps from China which are basically a mix of an upgraded Type 053H3 and the Type 54.
These are decent frigates and were all commissioned new since 2009.
View attachment 12853
A 76mm main gun, eight C-802 SSMs, eight HQ-7A (FM-90) anti-air missiles which are significantly better than the older HQ-7 and have the capability to engage super-sonic and sea-skimming missile with either radar or IR...out to a range of 9-10 miles. The also have two six cell anti-submarine rocket launchers and two three cell anti-submarine torpedo launchers. As well as the hanger and pad for a single Z-9 type helo.
They have six older, Tariq class frigates (which are Type 21 frigates purchased from the UK) are also well fitted for the ASuW and ASW role. They are decent vessels too.
But those vessels were purchased used in 1993 and 1994, having been commissioned new by the RN in the 1970s. So they are now 40 years old and would make an ideal candidate for replacing with a newer multi-role frigate that also had medium range, area AAW coverage.
That would be a good move if they could pull it off...and they should get new builds if theey can...with the idea of building four of the six in Pakistan. I actually think, in addition to a potential Chinese design, that the Pakisanis have shown interest in the new Turkish TF-2000 class frigates.
Either option would be a good move on their part.
