| 9th Auxiliary Squadron | |
|---|---|
| Country | Pakistan |
| Allegiance | Pakistan Navy |
| Type | Auxiliary fleet |
| Role | Logistical support, naval mining, fuel replenishment |
| Size | 9 ships (as of 2024) |
| Part of | Pakistan Navy |
| Ships | List |
The 9th Auxiliary Squadron, also referred to in the media as the 9th Auxiliary and Mine Warfare Squadron,[a] 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.[1][2]
The squadron's leading ship is PNS Nasr, a replenishment tanker.[3] The squadron also contributes to long-range helicopter operations, utilizing anti-ship missiles and torpedoes for offensive and defensive roles.[4]
Mission
editThe 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.[5]
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.[6]
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.[7] PNS Rasadgar is the sister ship of PMSS Kashmir.[8] Both ships built and designed by Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works, were inducted in the navy in 2011.[9]
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.[10]
Active ships
edit| Class | Image | Name | Origin | In service |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fleet tankers[5] | ||||
| Type 905 | 
|
PNS Nasr |  China
|
1987–present |
| Replenishment oiler | 
|
PNS Moawin |  Pakistan
|
2018–present |
| Coastal tankers[6] | ||||
| Fuel tank (replenishment) | 
|
PNS Gwadar | Pakistan
|
1984–present |
| Fuel tank (replenishment) | 
|
PNS Kalmat | Pakistan
|
1992–present |
| Small tanker-cum-utility ships (STUS)[7] | ||||
| Kashmir-class | 
|
PNS Rasadgar | Pakistan
|
2011–present |
| Unknown |
|
PNS Madadgar | Pakistan
|
2011–present |
| Mine countermeasure vessels (MCMVs)[10] | ||||
| Éridan class | 
|
PNS Munsif |  France
|
1989–present |
| Adjutant-class minesweeper |
|
PNS Muhafiz | France
|
1992–present |
| Éridan class |
|
PNS Mujahid | Pakistan
|
1998–present |
Footnotes
edit- ^ According to the official website, PNS Nasr and PNS Moawin are ships of the 9th Auxiliary Squadron, while news sources (The Express Tribune, Defence Turkey Magazine, 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.
References
edit- ^ "PN Dimensions: Surface Warriors". Pakistan Navy Official Website. Retrieved 30 Dec 2024.
- ^ "9th Auxiliary Squadron". Pakistan Navy Official Website. Retrieved 30 Dec 2024.
- ^ "Pakistan Navy hands over counter-piracy force command to Japan". DAWN.COM. 2017-03-11. Retrieved 2024-12-31.
- ^ "Pakistani naval ships PNS Nasr and PNS Khaiber in Sri Lanka on goodwill visit". Sri Lanka's only national business newspaper. 2013-10-28. Retrieved 2024-12-31.
- ^ a b "Fleet tankers". Pakistan Navy Official Website. 1987-08-01. Retrieved 2024-12-31.
- ^ a b "Coastal tankers". Pakistan Navy Official Website. 1984-11-05. Retrieved 2024-12-31.
- ^ a b Maneuverability, Excellent; PNS, spacious layout. (2011-07-19). "STUS". Pakistan Navy Official Website. Retrieved 2024-12-31.
- ^ "WAM". وكالة أنباء الإمارات. Retrieved 2024-12-31.
- ^ Newspaper, From the (2011-07-19). "Three ships inducted in PN fleet". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 2024-12-31.
- ^ a b "MCMVs". Pakistan Navy Official Website. 1989-07-28. Retrieved 2024-12-31.