The Pakistan Navy included a fourth offshore patrol ship (OPV) called PNS Yamama in its fleet on Monday, describing it as a ship equipped with modern stealth characteristics and sophisticated weapons that allow it to function in a multi-love environment.
PNS Yamama was built in the Shipyard Damen in Romania. The multipurpose ship is equipped with modern stealth characteristics, the latest command and control systems, and sophisticated weapons and sensors, the Navy said in a statement.
A ceremony to officially induce the OPV was held at the Jinnah Naval Base in the southwest city of Ormara in the presence of government officials, local dignitaries and senior officers of the Pakistan Navy.
“As the series of the series, the induction of this latest generation ship significantly improves the ability of the Pakistan Navy to guarantee the defense towards the sea, protect the marine communication lines and maintain order in the sea,” said the statement.
The development highlights the improved scope of the Pakistan navy on the western coast, providing flexibility in the operations of its fleet, improving maritime security and its ability to contribute to regional peace and stability, he added.
The induction of PNS Yamama would also guarantee the protection of vital maritime infrastructure, including the Chinese-Pakistan economic corridor (CPEC), a multimillion-dollar Chinese infrastructure project that connects the city of Gwadar of Pakistan with the province of Xinjiang in China.
The head of the Admiral of the Pakistan Navy, Naveed Ashraf, highlighted the precarious geostrategic environment in the Indian Ocean, emphasizing the need for a powerful naval force to counteract the traditional and non -traditional emerging challenges, according to the statement.
“He reiterated that the addition of PNS Yamama to the PN fleet would significantly improve the ability of the Pakistan Navy to safeguard Pakistan’s maritime borders and reinforce his commitment to guarantee security in international waters,” he said.
In addition to inducing several warships in its fleet, the Pakistan Navy has carried out several joint exercises with friendly nations in recent years in an attempt to improve joint operational capabilities and strengthen regional security.
