ISLAMABAD, 29 August 2024 (TDI): Pakistan will induct two state-of-the-art ships into its Navy on Defence Day, celebrated on September 6 each year, to enhance its capabilities.
According to local media reports, PNS Babur, a state-of-the-art Turkish-built Babur-class frigate, and PNS Hunain, a Romanian-built Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV), will be officially commissioned during the ceremony, which will be attended by President Asif Ali Zardari as the chief guest.
PNS Babur, the first vessel of its class, was laid down on June 4, 2020, launched on August 15, 2021, and commissioned on September 23, 2023.
This frigate, part of a Pakistan-Turkiye collaboration, features vertical launch systems and is designed for multi-dimensional combat, including surface, underwater, and aerial operations.
Four Babur-class frigates are being constructed—two in Istanbul and two in Karachi—with PNS Badar, Tariq, and Khyber currently under various stages of construction.
PNS Hunain, the third ship of the Yarmouk class, was built at the Galati Shipyard in Romania. This 98-meter OPV enhances the Pakistan Navy’s capabilities with guided missile corvettes.
PNS Hunain can reach speeds of approximately 24 knots and is armed with surface-to-air missiles, a 76mm main gun, and two 20mm secondary guns.
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The Yarmouk class ships are named after notable battles in Islamic history, with the final vessel, PNS Yamamah, nearing completion.
These additions mark a significant advancement in the Pakistan Navy’s operational strength and strategic capabilities.
