The Pakistan Navy has officially commissioned the 2,300-ton corvette PNS YARMOOK (F-271), a Damen OPV 1900, during a ceremony at Constanta Port, Romania, on February 13, 2020. The event was graced by Vice Admiral Muhammad Fayyaz Gilani HI (M), Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, as the Chief Guest. Representatives from the Ministry of Defense Production Rawalpindi, Chief Naval Overseer (Romania), and Damen Shipyards Group’s senior management also attended.
The contract for two multipurpose Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) was signed between Damen and Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence Production on June 30, 2017, following a competitive tender process. The second vessel, PNS TABUK, is slated for delivery in May 2020.
The PNS YARMOOK is a state-of-the-art vessel capable of executing diverse maritime operations. Key features include: helicopter and UAV transportation capabilities, simultaneous deployment of two high-speed RHIBs (11.5 meters and 6.5 meters), and accommodation for two TEUs for special mission-based operations. These advanced capabilities make PNS YARMOOK a versatile asset for safeguarding Pakistan’s maritime borders and conducting special missions.
During the ceremony, Vice Admiral Muhammad Fayyaz Gilani emphasized the vessel’s critical role in enhancing the Pakistan Navy’s operational readiness. He praised Damen’s professional expertise and expressed optimism about future collaborations to acquire advanced naval technologies.
Damen constructed the PNS YARMOOK at its Galati yard in Romania, which has a proven track record in naval shipbuilding. The facility has delivered nearly 40 vessels for defense and security, including complex naval vessels for the Royal Netherlands Navy and other international clients.
This milestone reflects Pakistan’s commitment to modernizing its naval forces and ensuring maritime security in the region.
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