Pakistan has successfully conducted a live-fire test of a Chinese-made surface-to-air missile from a Type 054A/P guided-missile frigate.
The navy deployed the LY-80(N) missile from the PNS Taimur warship’s vertical launch system (VLS), where it intercepted a high-speed aerial target at extended range, confirming the platform’s operational readiness.
Announced by the Directorate General Public Relations of Pakistan Navy, the firing validates the service’s layered air defense concept at sea and signals a growing ability to protect high-value naval assets from aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles.
In addition to the missile firing, the exercise involved loitering munitions engaging designated targets and open-sea trials of a domestically developed unmanned surface vessel.
LY-80(N) Air Defense Missile
The LY-80(N) is the naval variant of China’s HQ-16 — which Pakistan also operates — and provides medium- to long-range air defense from shipborne VLS.
It is designed to engage multiple airborne threats simultaneously at ranges of up to 60 kilometers (37 miles).
On Pakistan’s Type 054A/P frigates, the missile is integrated with a 32-cell VLS, phased-array radar, and a modern combat management system, enabling 360-degree coverage and rapid engagement, according to Army Recognition.
Chinese Platforms in the Pakistan Navy
The PNS Taimur — the second of four Type 054A frigates in the navy — was built by China and delivered to Pakistan in 2022.
Islamabad is also expecting its first of eight Chinese-designed Hangor-class attack submarines this year, underscoring the two countries’ growing defense partnership.
