Tariq class frigate

The Tariq class Frigates (UK Amazon Type 21) were acquired by the Pakistan Navy from the United Kingdom in 1993-94. They were bought in order to replace the Garcia class and Brooke class frigates which, due to the Pressler Amendment, Pakistan had to return to the United States at the end of their five-year lease. In 1988, the Pakistani and UK Government set up a joint committee to explore future requirements during a low key visit of Lord Trefgarne, the then UK Minister of State for defence procurement. Discussion for the purchase of 6 ex-RN Amazon class frigates began in 1992.

The first UK Amazon Type 21 frigate was turned over to the Pakistan Navy in July 1993 and arrived in Pakistan some four months later after a period of preparation work and training. The second purchased arrived in late 1993 and the last two in January 1995. Upon delivery, the first four underwent upgrade to equip them with the 9LV Mk3 command, control and communication system as well as Bofors torpedoes and, reportedly, the BAeSEMA-Thomson Sintra active towed array sonars.