Pakistan Navy inducts advanced patrol vessel PNS YAMAMA

In a notable development, the Pakistan Navy formally inducted its fourth Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV), PNS YAMAMA, into service during a ceremony held at Jinnah Naval Base in Ormara. The Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, was the chief guest at the event.

Built at DAMEN Shipyard in Romania, PNS YAMAMA is a versatile naval platform featuring modern stealth capabilities, advanced Command and Control systems, and cutting-edge weapons and sensors. This fourth OPV bolsters the Navy’s operational strength, enhancing its ability to defend maritime boundaries, secure sea lines of communication, and maintain maritime order.

The commissioning ceremony highlights the Pakistan Navy’s growing operational reach along the western coast. The addition of this vessel improves fleet versatility, strengthens maritime security efforts, and plays a crucial role in safeguarding key maritime assets, including the strategically important China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Speaking at the event, Admiral Naveed Ashraf pointed out the challenging strategic landscape in the Indian Ocean region, underlining the necessity of a capable naval force to address evolving conventional and unconventional threats. He emphasized that PNS YAMAMA will significantly boost Pakistan Navy’s maritime defense and international security operations. He also commended DAMEN Shipyard Galati and the project team for their expertise and dedication, noting the ship as a symbol of the enduring partnership between Pakistan and Romania.

The event drew a large gathering, including government representatives, local dignitaries, and senior officers from the Pakistan Navy, marking the significance of the induction in national and regional maritime affairs.