Dutch Shipbuilder Unveils Heavily-Armed Patrol Vessel Model for Pakistan Navy

By Editor Mar5,2024


Doha, Qatar: At the recent DIMDEX 2024 exhibition, Dutch shipbuilding company Damen showcased a detailed model of their Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) 2600, specifically designed for the Pakistan Navy. This vessel marks the continuation of the existing Yarmook-class OPVs currently in service with the Pakistani Navy.

Building on Existing Partnership: Damen is currently constructing two OPV 2600 vessels in Romania for the Pakistani Navy, following the success of the Yarmook-class vessels. The keel laying ceremony for the first vessel took place in October 2022, with construction progressing steadily.

Enhanced Capabilities: These new vessels will be larger and more heavily armed compared to the Yarmook-class. The model displayed at DIMDEX 2024 indicates features like:

Anti-ship missile canisters, likely equipped with Harbah missiles.
Aselsan-made Smash 30 mm gun.
Gökdeniz close-in weapon system (CIWS).
Two STAMP remote weapon stations.
A 6-cell Vertical Launch System (VLS) for surface-to-air missiles, potentially housing the Albatros NG missiles.
It is important to note that while Damen constructs and delivers the hull, the specific armament choices will be made by the Pakistani Navy.

OPV 2600: A Versatile Platform -The OPV 2600 is the largest member of Damen’s second-generation offshore patrol vessel line-up, designed for diverse missions including:

Border and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance.
Counter-piracy and smuggling operations.
Counter-drug and weapons trafficking.
This 2600-ton vessel boasts a length of 98 meters, exceeding the existing Yarmook-class vessels. It offers a top speed of 24 knots and can operate in challenging sea conditions. Additionally, the OPV 2600 can accommodate a crew of 60 personnel.

Beyond Standard Armament: While the standard armament includes a main gun and secondary weapons, the OPV 2600’s true strength lies in its modularity. The vessel can house up to five containerized mission modules, allowing for adaptation to specific needs such as:

Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
Mine Countermeasures (MCM)
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle/Unmanned Surface Vehicle (UAV/USV) operations
Pollution control
Hospital facilities
Diving support
This flexibility, coupled with its advanced weaponry and robust design, makes the OPV 2600 a valuable addition to the Pakistan Navy’s fleet.

March 5 2024

Source: Naval News

By Editor

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