KARACHI: The Pakistan Navy has significantly bolstered its maritime defence capabilities with the induction of two new warships, PNS Babur and PNS Hunain, into its fleet. The formal induction ceremony is set to take place on Defence Day, marking a notable milestone in the nation’s naval strength.
PNS Babur, the first MILGEM/Babur-class ship built in Turkey, and PNS Hunain, an Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) constructed in Romania, were both added to the fleet simultaneously. The event was attended by President Asif Ali Zardari, who served as the chief guest. Construction of PNS Babur commenced on June 4, 2020, with its launch on August 15, 2021, and official commissioning on September 23, 2023. The ship is equipped with a Vertical Launching System (VLS) and is designed for multi-dimensional warfare, capable of addressing threats on the surface, underwater, and in the air.
Three additional Babur-class ships—PNS Badr, Tariq, and Khyber—are currently under construction in Istanbul and Karachi. PNS Hunain, the third Yarmook-class OPV, was built at Romania’s Galati Shipyard. This 2,600-ton vessel is designed for surface and aerial combat, as well as search and rescue operations. It features a VLS system for surface-to-air missiles, a 76mm main gun, and two 20mm secondary guns.
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