The Pakistan Navy on Tuesday inducted its 5th ATR aircraft equipped with day and night flying capability to undertake ferry, logistics support, Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC), General Evacuation (GENEVAC) and training missions, Directorate General Public Relations of Pakistan Navy said in a statement.

An induction ceremony of the aircraft was held at Naval Aviation Base PNS Mehran in Karachi where Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf participated as Chief Guest.

The newly inducted ATR aircraft has been acquired from Pakistan International Airlines. Pakistan Navy is in the process of acquiring ATR aircrafts from various sources and is modernising them to carry out maritime reconnaissance and antisubmarine warfare missions at sea.

Being a commercial aircraft it has very low operating cost as compared to tailor-made military aircraft.

The chief of the Naval Staff highlighted the importance of the evolving geo-strategic environment in the Indian Ocean Region and emphasised the need to have a potent naval force to counter emerging challenges.

He underlined the significance of strong maritime defence for Pakistan and reiterated that the induction of modern aircraft will enhance the Pakistan Navy’s capability of safeguarding the country’s maritime frontiers.

Earlier, Commander Pakistan Fleet Vice Admiral Muhammad Faisal Abbasi highlighted that the induction of ATR will ensure sustained operations from the western seaboard through regular logistics and personnel movements.

Later, the chief of the Naval Staff handed over ATR documents to the Commander Pakistan Fleet.

The ceremony was attended by Flag Officers, Ex Aviators of the Pakistan Navy, and officials of the PIA.