Fincantieri signs R&D and training agreement with Pakistan Navy
The view from onboard a Pakistan Navy OPV. (Picture: Pakistan Navy)
A Memorandum of Understanding signed during an event in Karachi between the Italian shipbuilder and the Pakistan Navy covered naval training, research and development, and project-based collaboration.
Fincantieri has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Pakistan Navy that has opened the door to the future exploration of co-operative or collaborative operations in naval training, and research and development activities. It has also opened up the potential for project-based collaboration down the line.
The MoU was signed at the 12th edition of the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) in Karachi. Commander Syed Ali Sarfraz of the Pakistan Navy and Mauro Manzini, VP of sales for Fincantieri’s naval vessels division, agreed the Memorandum during the event.
The partnership will be based at the Pakistan Maritime Science & Technology Park (PMSTP), and the basis of the ongoing understanding will be that Fincantieri will strengthen its presence within the industrial landscape in Pakistan and its relationship with the Pakistan Navy, in support of the navy’s strategic objectives.
Related Articles
New Pakistani OPV transits the Bosphorus
Pakistan Navy renewal gathers pace as new OPV launched
The PMSTP was specifically launched to facilitate growth within Pakistan’s maritime sectors, including shipbuilding, and was designed to foster innovation and support new projects for the Pakistan Navy.
In July 2024, the Pakistan Navy took possession of its third Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV), and the first in the OPV 2600-class, the PNS Hunain. The other two are OPV 2300-class vessels. The OPV 2600 is the largest member of four new second-generation offshore patrol vessels designed by Damen Shipyards in Romania.
The OPV 2600 will have a multi-mission operational life, supported by up to five containerized mission modules, (with the potential for five more). It could be fitted for duties as an anti-submarine vessel, a mine countermeasures patrol, an unmanned aerial vehicle or surface vehicle platform, or a floating hospital.
It is as yet unclear how the MoU with Fincantieri will see the Pakistan Navy specifically develop its defence capabilities, but areas and directions for that expansion will be expected to become clearer as the co-operation matures.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Swedish Visby frigates to get air defence system under $166 million contract]()
Swedish Visby frigates to get air defence system under $166 million contract
Saab announced in 2021 that it had signed an agreement with Swedish defence procurement for the development of plans for a Visby upgrade. One aspect of the upgrade is for the introduction of a surface-to-air missile capability.
-
![Boeing to upgrade Royal Australian Navy communications system]()
Boeing to upgrade Royal Australian Navy communications system
The improvements to the navy fleet are part of a vision to create a single integrated network to enhance transmissions across the Australian Defence Force (ADF) incorporating its naval, air and land forces.
-
![Japanese navy bets on autonomous technology for the future]()
Japanese navy bets on autonomous technology for the future
Faced with persistent recruitment shortfalls, the JMSDF has turned to unmanned surface and underwater systems to maintain operational capability.
-
![First Type 31 frigate for UK Royal Navy rolls out of construction]()
First Type 31 frigate for UK Royal Navy rolls out of construction
Named the HMS Venturer, this roll out marks a pivotal milestone as it moves from the construction phase to then undergo outfitting and systems integration ahead of sea trials.
-
![Japan orders first upgraded Mogami-class frigates for the JMSDF]()
Japan orders first upgraded Mogami-class frigates for the JMSDF
The JMSDF has commissioned the seventh Mogami-class ship as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries advances upgraded frigates and supply vessels.
