Pakistan Navy takes delivery of multi-mission Offshore Patrol Vessel Hunain
The OPV 2600 class has been built to withstand rough seas and is modular so it can tackle a wide range of missions. (Image: Damen Shipyards)
The Hunain is the first OPV 2600 in the Pakistan Navy’s fleet and will be used across a range of coastal defence roles.
The Pakistan Navy has taken delivery of its first Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) 2600, named PNS Hunain. The Hunain is the third OPV in the Navy’s arsenal, but the first of the 2600 class.
The OPV 2600 is the largest member of four new second-generation offshore patrol vessels designed by Damen Shipyards in Romania. Displacing 2600 tons, it has been designed to be multi-mission capable, rather than a specialist vessel. In the Pakistan Navy, it will support missions including border surveillance, counterpiracy and anti-smuggling operations, as well as an ongoing campaign against drug and weapons trafficking.
Despite a top speed of 24 knots, the OPV 2600 can operate in World Meteorological Organization sea state 6 (defined as “very rough”), and can even survive sailing at sea state 9 (defined as “phenomenal” and with waves over 46 feet (16 meters)). It can do that thanks to its active fin stabilising system.
The OPV 2600 is armed with a main gun of up to 76mm on the ship’s bow deck and two 20mm guns as secondary weapons. Its sensor suite includes a medium-range surveillance radar and an E/O fire control sensor. It has a helicopter deck and suitable hangars, meaning it will not only be capable of running helicopter missions, but will be expected to do so as a fundamental part of its operating life.
The multi-mission capabilities of the OPV 2600 will be supported by up to five containerized mission modules, with potential for five more. That means the OPV 2600 can be fitted for duties as an anti-submarine vessel, mine countermeasures patrol, unmanned aerial vehicle or surface vehicle platform and floating hospital. The modular options of the OPV 2600 means by adding the right modules and equipping the vessel with mission-capable staff, the core vessel can be transformed into a mission-specialist vessel relatively quickly.
The Pakistan Navy’s newest OPV was delivered at a ceremony at the Port of Constanța in late July 2024.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![South Korea pushes forward on unmanned surface vessel development for future fleet]()
South Korea pushes forward on unmanned surface vessel development for future fleet
South Korean industry continues to evolve unmanned surface vessels as the ROK Navy targets future force needs and addresses manpower challenges.
-
![How the US Government plans to put the US Navy’s shipbuilding programmes back on track]()
How the US Government plans to put the US Navy’s shipbuilding programmes back on track
In an attempt to reduce delays in shipbuilding efforts, the US government, lawmakers and the Navy are betting big on further investments in the national defence industry and public shipyards. Reviewing and reformulating ongoing initiatives and business practices will also be form part of the effort.
-
![Royal Canadian Navy advances with the construction of its first River-Class destroyer]()
Royal Canadian Navy advances with the construction of its first River-Class destroyer
Scheduled for delivery by 2033, HMCS Fraser will be a major surface component of the Canadian maritime combat power.
-
![Ireland orders Thales towed array sonar]()
Ireland orders Thales towed array sonar
Ireland has a large Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) which extends 370km (200nm) offshore and contains 75% of the transatlantic subsea cables which carry $10 trillion in financial transactions daily. The country is investing to increase protection and surveillance of these waters.
-
![South Korea advances next-gen naval concepts for future force needs]()
South Korea advances next-gen naval concepts for future force needs
HHI and Hanwha Ocean outline highly autonomous and unmanned-enabled designs as the ROKN explores force structure for the 2030s and beyond.
