HMS Lancaster receives warm welcome as she docks in Karachi ahead of exercise
Royal Navy warship HMS Lancaster has docked in Karachi for a joint exercise with the Pakistan Navy.
The Type 23 frigate is visiting the South Asian country to take part in Exercise Whitestar, a routine maritime bilateral exercise that forms part of the long-standing defence relationship between the nations.
Brigadier Paul Hayhurst, the UK defence adviser in Pakistan said on X, formerly Twitter: "Honoured to welcome HMS Lancaster to Karachi for Exercise Whitestar.
"The UK and Pakistan are committed to regional stability and maritime security. This routine bilateral exercise maintains our defence ties & dosti."
"Dosti" is a Hindi term meaning friendship or camaraderie, and is used frequently in Pakistan, India, Nepal and Bangladesh.
Personnel on HMS Lancaster posted their own message on X alongside an image of their reception in Karachi, saying: "Bohat shukriya [thank you very much] Karachi for hosting us!
"Great to be alongside in Pakistan to take part in Exercise WHITESTAR, a routine maritime bilateral exercise which forms part of our long-standing defence relationship.
"Save the last mangoes for us!"
HMS Lancaster recently had a major refit and some of her new equipment includes a new Artisan 3D radar and improved air-defence capabilities provided by Sea Ceptor, replacing Sea Wolf missiles, which only possess about half the Sea Ceptor’s range.
The hull was cleaned and coated with anti-fouling paint to prevent marine life attaching itself, the main 4.5in gun serviced, engines and machinery overhauled, new systems installed, and the bridge, messes and other communal areas revamped.
She has a crew of 185 and can reach a top speed of around 28 knots.
Related topics
Join Our Newsletter
