Pakistan's naval defence capabilities have been bolstered with the formal induction of two new warships into the Pakistan Navy.
The official ceremony for the integration of these vessels will be held on Defense Day, with President Asif Zardari scheduled to preside over the event, as announced by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The Pakistan Navy is set to welcome PNS Babar and PNS Hunain into its fleet. PNS Babar, constructed in Turkey, will officially join the Navy, while PNS Hunain, an offshore patrol vessel (OPV) developed in Romania, will also be inducted. This significant event underscores Pakistan's ongoing efforts to enhance its naval capabilities.
PNS Babar, a Babur-class ship, began construction on June 4, 2020. The vessel was launched on August 15, 2021, and its commissioning took place on September 23, 2023.
Under a Pak-Turkey agreement, four Babur-class ships are being integrated into the Navy, with two being constructed in Istanbul and two in Karachi. Alongside PNS Babar, PNS Badr, Tariq, and Khyber are also under development.
The Babur-class ships are equipped with a vertical launching system, enabling them to engage in surface, underwater, and air warfare simultaneously. With a displacement of 2,888 tons, these ships are designed to counter air threats effectively.
PNS Hunain, the third Yarmouk-class OPV, was built at Galati Shipyard in Romania. The Yarmouk-class vessels, including PNS Hunain, are classified as Guided Missile Corvettes in the Pakistan Navy. They are adept at surface and air warfare as well as search and rescue operations.
