Guns without Fire: The 76mm Gun Crisis aboard PNS Zulfiqar

The Pakistan Navy's modernisation drive, anchored by the acquisition of Chinese-built F-22P Zulfiquar-class frigates, was meant to bolster its maritime firepower and deterrence.

The flagship PNS Zulfiqar has, however, become a case study in how critical technical failures can undermine even advanced platforms. Central to this crisis is the persistent malfunction of its main 76mm naval gun-a flaw with far-reaching operational and strategic consequences.

Defence experts note that the Pakistan Navy's Zulfiqar-class frigates hinder its ability to dominate the seas due to persistent technical failures, particularly in propulsion systems, sensors, and weapon reliability. Chronic engine breakdowns, cooling faults, and unreliable radars have led to frequent operational downtime, limiting the fleet's speed, endurance, and combat readiness.

These issues compel the Pakistan Navy to operate its frigates with degraded capabilities, thereby undermining their roles in air defence, surface warfare, and maritime patrols, and leaving Pakistan unable to project power or maintain a credible deterrence against more advanced regional navies.

Mechanical and Electrical Faults

The 76mm NG 16 single-barrel gun was designed as a versatile weapon system, capable of engaging surface ships, aircraft, and incoming missiles. However, Zulfiqar's gun has been beset by mechanical breakdowns. Chronic failures in the loading and firing mechanisms have been traced to design flaws and substandard components. The below-deck ammunition feed, turret motors, and handling systems have all suffered repeated malfunctions, often leaving the gun inoperable during critical moments.

Among electrical failures, the gun's fire control system has experienced persistent electrical faults, including defective wiring, unreliable sensors, and malfunctioning control units. These issues have caused misfires, delayed targeting, and, at times, a complete inability to fire.

Further, the frigates have had stabiliser gyro issues. The HP5 stabiliser gyro, crucial for maintaining accuracy as the ship moves, has been reported non-functional for extended periods. This further degrades the gun's effectiveness, especially in rough seas or during high-speed manoeuvres.

Despite repeated repair attempts, these problems have persisted. Investigations indicate that defective critical components and inadequate after-sales service from the original Chinese manufacturers are the root causes, with spare parts and technical support often being delayed or inadequate.

Strategic Implications on Combat Capability

The impact of these faults extends well beyond technical inconvenience. The 76mm gun is a core element of the ship's defence against surface and aerial threats, including anti-ship missiles. Its frequent unavailability leaves the vessel exposed in high-threat environments, undermining the Navy's ability to protect its assets and maintain sea control.

Due to its reduced deterrence and mission effectiveness, the inability to reliably engage enemy targets diminishes the ship's role in convoy protection, maritime interdiction, and force projection. This has strategic implications for Pakistan's ability to assert control over its maritime interests and fulfil operational mandates.

The persistent technical failures have had a significant impact on operational performance and morale, forcing the Pakistan Navy to operate Zulfiqar and her sister ships with degraded capabilities, sometimes keeping them docked for repairs during critical periods. This reduces the fleet's available combat power and erodes crew confidence in their equipment.

The 76mm gun crisis is symptomatic of wider reliability issues across the Zulfiquar-class, including radar, sonar, and engine faults. Collectively, these problems have compromised the strategic value of these ships, which were acquired at significant expense.

The crisis of the 76mm gun aboard PNS Zulfiqar starkly demonstrates the risks of relying on platforms with persistent technical faults. Mechanical and electrical failures have not only diminished the ship's immediate combat capability but have also raised broader questions about the reliability of key assets within the Pakistan Navy's surface fleet.

Aritra Banerjee is a Defence, Foreign Affairs & Aerospace Journalist, Co-Author of the book 'The Indian Navy @75: Reminiscing the Voyage' and was the Co-Founder of Mission Victory India (MVI), a new-age military reforms think-tank. He has worked in TV, Print and Digital media, and has been a columnist writing on strategic affairs for national and international publications. His reporting career has seen him covering major Security and Aviation events in Europe and travelling across Kashmir conflict zones.

X: @Aritrabanned