Pakistan Navy to Add Two New Warships to its Fleet on Defence Day

Pakistan Navy to Add Two New Warships to its Fleet on Defence Day

On Pakistan Defence Day, 6 September  2024,  Pakistan Navy will induct two new warships into its fleet, significantly enhancing its naval capabilities. The two vessels are PNS Babur, the first Mirgem/Babur class corvette built in Turkey, and PNS Hunain, an offshore patrol vessel (OPV) built in Romania. PNS Babur is part of a four-ship class being built under the Pakistan-Turkey Defence Cooperation Agreement, two being built in Istanbul and two in Karachi. The vessels are designed with multi-role capabilities including surface, underwater and air defence, and are equipped with a vertical launch system. PNS Hunain, the third of the Yarmouk class OPV, is designed for surface and air warfare, as well as search and rescue missions. The vessels have a displacement of 2,600 tonnes and are fitted with state-of-the-art weapon systems, including a vertical launch system for surface-to-air missiles and a 76 mm main gun. These commissionings are a testament to Pakistan's efforts to modernise its navy and strengthen its maritime defence capabilities.