KARACHI: Pakistan’s naval defence capabilities have been bolstered with formal induction of two new warships into Pakistan Navy.

Official ceremony for integration of these vessels will be held on Defense Day, with President Asif Zardari scheduled to preside over event, as announced by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Pakistan Navy is set to welcome PNS Babar and PNS Hunain into its fleet. PNS Babar, constructed in Turkey, will officially join 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, Babur-class ship, began construction on June 4, 2020. Vessel was launched on August 15, 2021, and its commissioning took place on September 23, 2023. Under Pak-Turkey agreement, four Babur-class ships are being integrated into Navy, with two being constructed in Istanbul and two in Karachi. Alongside PNS Babar, PNS Badr, Tariq and Khyber are also under development. Babur-class ships are equipped with vertical launching system, enabling them to engage in surface, underwater and air warfare simultaneously.

With displacement of 2,888 tonnes, these ships are designed to counter air threats effectively. PNS Hunain, third Yarmouk-class OPV, was built at Galati Shipyard in Romania. Yarmouk-class vessels, including PNS Hunain, are classified as Guided Missile Corvettes in Pakistan Navy. They are adept at surface and air warfare as well as search and rescue operations.