ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy on Saturday inducted another multipurpose offshore patrol vessel, PNS YAMAMA, into its fleet with an aim to enhance security of the country’s maritime frontiers, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
This is the fourth YAMAMA ship of the Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) Batch II inducted into the Pakistan Navy’s fleet. The ship was constructed and commissioned at Damen Shipyards in Galati, Romania.
The vessel was inducted at a ceremony at the Pakistan Navy Dockyard in the southern port city of Karachi. Pakistan Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Abdul Munib was the Chief Guest at the occasion.
“The addition of PNS YAMAMA to the PN fleet will significantly enhance the Pakistan Navy’s capability to safeguard the maritime frontiers of Pakistan,” Rear Admiral Munib was quoted as saying by ISPR.
He also emphasised that the induction of such multipurpose, state-of-the-art platforms would provide vital support to ongoing Pakistan Navy maritime security patrols in the Indian Ocean.
The reception ceremony for PNS YAMAMA was attended by a large number of Pakistan Navy officers and CPOs/Sailors.
The multipurpose and highly agile medium-sized offshore patrol vessel is equipped with a self-protection and terminal defence system, state-of-the-art electronic warfare, and anti-ship and anti-air warfare capabilities, according to ISPR.
“Induction of such multipurpose, state-of-the-art platforms will provide vital support to ongoing Pakistan Navy maritime security patrols in the Indian Ocean.”
Furthermore, the vessel is capable of embarking a multirole helicopter and can operate independently or as part of a task force for extended durations to execute a variety of missions.
In June 2024, the Pakistan Navy inducted two warships, Babur and Hunain, into its fleet, just days after it assumed command of a multinational task force, CTF-150, responsible for ensuring maritime security in the southeastern waters of the Middle East, operating in the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, and Gulf of Aden.
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In addition to inducting various warships into its fleet, the Pakistan Navy has held several joint exercises with friendly nations in recent years to enhance joint operational capabilities and strengthen regional security.
The Pakistan Navy has also invited over 100 countries to the AMAN maritime exercises, scheduled for February 7 to 11, which will include a dialogue for senior naval leaders for the first time. The exercise, held every two years, involves ships, aircraft, and special operations forces.
