Pakistan is also considering acquiring at least another four Chinese frigates, either larger and improved F-22P ships or another design, Jane's reports.

Its recent purchases, which include stealth frigates, reflect the vulnerability felt by a tiny island state on one of the world's busiest shipping routes.

Officials in the Philippines say Chinese forces entered Philippine waters or airspace six times, including once when a Chinese frigate fired in the direction of a Philippine fishing boat.

The program is dubbed the TF-2000, or Turkish Frigate for the 21st Century.

The miles of conduit, piping and air ducts remind Reeves of the missile frigate he served on as an electrician during the Vietnam War.