Pakistan Navy Receives Fourth Yarmouk-Class OPV, PNS Yamama
The Pakistan Navy’s Yarmouk-class OPVs, PNS Yamama and PNS Hunain are based on the Damen OPV 2600 design, which is larger and more capable than the OPVs ordered by Pakistan from Damen in 2017.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – On December 17, the Pakistan Navy officially received its fourth and final Yarmouk-class Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV), PNS Yamama, from shipbuilder Damen Shipyards Group.
The Pakistan Navy’s Yarmouk-class OPVs, PNS Yamama and PNS Hunain are based on the Damen OPV 2600 design, which is larger and more capable than the OPVs ordered by Pakistan from Damen in 2017.
The Yarmouk-class OPVs boast a range of 5,000 nautical miles and can reach a maximum speed of 25 knots.
These multi-mission vessels are equipped with side-scan sonar systems and are capable of performing a wide range of maritime operations, including Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Mine Countermeasures (MCM) missions.
Like the three other Yarmouk-class OPVs in the Pakistan Navy’s fleet, PNS Yamama was constructed at Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania.
PNS Yamama
The Damen Galati Shipyard, located on the banks of the Danube River, is one of the Dutch group’s largest production facilities, with over 30 shipbuilding and repair yards worldwide.
Speaking at the delivery ceremony for PNS Yamama, Vice Admiral Muhammad Faisal Abbasi stated, “The Offshore Patrol Vessel project represents a significant achievement not only for Pakistan but also for Damen, the Galati Shipyard, and all parties involved in the conception, design, construction, and commissioning of the four OPVs.
“I am confident that the partnership between the Pakistan Navy and Damen will continue to expand into new avenues for mutual benefit.”
The Pakistan Navy commissioned PNS Yarmouk and PNS Tabuk in 2020, based on the Damen 1900 design, while the third Yarmouk-class OPV, PNS Hunain, was delivered in July last year.
Like its sister ships, PNS Yamama has a displacement of 2,600 tons, a length of 98 meters, and the capacity to carry 140 crew members.
It is also capable of deploying two Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boats (RHIBs), a medium-sized helicopter, and an Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV).
PNS Yamama
The Pakistan Navy initially ordered two Yarmouk-class OPVs based on the Damen 1900 design in 2017 before expanding the order to include two additional vessels with the larger and more capable Damen 2600 design.
The Yarmouk-class OPVs are a key component of the Pakistan Navy’s surface fleet strategy, forming part of its broader effort to expand its surface combatant fleet to at least 50 vessels.
More than 20 of these are expected to comprise principal surface combatants such as frigates and corvettes.
The OPVs complement the Pakistan Navy’s larger multi-mission warships, such as the newly inducted Babur-class corvettes and Tughril-class frigates.
While the Babur and Tughril-class warships focus primarily on conventional combat operations, such as anti-ship warfare (AShW), the Yarmouk-class OPVs are expected to undertake maritime surveillance, counterterrorism, anti-narcotics, and other broader maritime security missions.
“Harbah”cruise missile
All four Yarmouk-class OPVs can also be configured for more challenging missions if necessary.
The Yarmouk-class OPVs can be armed with anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCM) for long-range anti-ship and land-attack missions.
When fitted with the domestically produced Harbah cruise missile, the OPVs are capable of striking surface targets at a range of at least 280 km. – DSA