PAKISTAN NAVY SHIPS: YARMOOK-CLASS CORVETTE

[CHI RULES]

4x Yarmook-Class Corvettes
4x Ada Class Corvettes
2x 75m Swiftship Corvettes

6x Azmat class
4x FAC 55
8x Type 22 class
6x MRTP-33

A deadly force to defend Karachi/Gwadar and CPEC from pirates, smugglers, terrorism, security checks etc.

This will free our 4 F22p, 4 Type 54AP, 4 Istanbul class frigates to concentrate on enemy navies, backed with 11 Submarines.

FAC55,Type 22 class and 4 MRTP33 and Swift ships so far are looking to be a wish only.

 

[Tomcats]

Does the PN's specifications/requirements for the prospective LRMPA platform (given in the tender) match the A320's specs (MTOW, etc)?

Yeah along with a few other aircraft however the narrow MTOW limit eliminates many contenders.

 

[AZADPAKISTAN2009]

2 More would be ideal choice

Surprised it would take till 2021 , very long time should be done in 2 months for activation of ship with Forces

 

[CHI RULES]

The OPV should have some sort of SAM system like FM90 of it's own because I personally feel that in future entire dependence for AD on other platforms shall not be effective. It is mentioned on same forum that perhaps PN shall go for some sort of upgrade of F22P, so there gadgets if replaced can be deployed on Yarmooks in near future.

 

[Armchair]

I think now that there are 2 (and possibly 2 more) Yarmouk Class, 4 Milgem, 1 OHP - all needing SAMs, a standard SAM could be bought. This would be a big order so can lower acquisition costs as well as lower cost of training and maintenance.

I was hoping the local SAM solution would have worked but seems its another inept solution. I'm guessing PN will go Italian on this one and have Chinese option as backup.

 

[Rank]

4x Yarmook-Class Corvettes
4x Ada Class Corvettes
2x 75m Swiftship Corvettes

6x Azmat class
4x FAC 55
8x Type 22 class
6x MRTP-33

A deadly force to defend Karachi/Gwadar and CPEC from pirates, smugglers, terrorism, security checks etc.

This will free our 4 F22p, 4 Type 54AP, 4 Istanbul class frigates to concentrate on enemy navies, backed with 11 Submarines.

If your Navy budget isn't at least 5BN around 2026- 2028, you can't run such a large fleet. That's why the strong and "Independent" economy is very very important

 

[khanasifm]

In 2017, Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence Production (MoDP) signed a deal with the Dutch contractor Damen Shipyards Group for two offshore patrol vessels (OPV). Originally a 1,900-ton design, both Damen and the PN converted the program into two 2,300-ton ships, which they re-designated as ‘corvettes.’

Damen Shipyards Group delivered the first ship, PNS Yarmook, in February 2020, and will hand the second one – i.e., PNS Tabuk — over to the PN in May 2020. The PN will use the corvettes as general-purpose ships for both peacetime policing as well as conventional wartime operations.

Timeline of Acquisition
Damen Shipyards Group won a tender to supply multi-mission corvettes to the PN. In 2017, a Louisiana-based contractor, Swiftships, announced that it won a PN contract two corvettes, plus an option to supply two additional ships. The stated role of these ships – i.e., 75 m ‘Swift Corvette’ – was identical to the role intended for the Damen OPVs, indicating that two contractors were competing for the same program.

However, besides an official statement by Swiftships, there was no follow-up regarding the Swift Corvette, which indicates that Swiftships ultimately lost to Damen Shipyards Group.

2017: Orders

In June 2017, the MoDP inked a contract with Damen Shipyards Group for two OPVs. Karachi Shipyards & Engineering Works (KSEW) was supposed to build one of the ships. However, the PN altered the contract and, in turn, awarded Damen Shipyards to build both ships at its facilities in Galati, Romania. Based on the Swift Corvette news, it would seem that the PN could have an option to buy two additional ships.

2020: Deliveries

Damen Shipyards Group launched the lead ship for tests in May 2019, and the second ship in September 2019. The PN commissioned the first ship, PNS Yarmook (F-271), in February 2020. It will take delivery of the second ship, PNS Tabuk, in May 2020.[1] However, the PN opted to fit the ships with their weapons and subsystems in Pakistan, so the corvettes may not be fully mission-ready before 2021, at the earliest.

‘Built to Commercial Standards’
The PN refers to the ships as ‘corvettes’ and, in turn, intends to use them in wartime. However, according to Damen Shipyards Group, the Yarmook-class is, technically speaking, an OPV. Its representatives stated that these ships were built to “commercial standards,” which results in a lower acquisition cost.[2] But the PN did specify several military requirements, which Damen Shipyards Group added to the design.[3]

Overall, it seems that PN got a custom design based on Damen’s OPVs, but with added elements from the Damen’s SIGMA-line of military-standard corvettes and frigates.

A unique characteristic of the PN’s ‘corvette’ is that the superstructure bears aesthetic similarities to the SIGMA-line, especially at the bow/fore. However, Damen’s representatives stated that the PN’s ships are, technically, OPVs. So, the acquisition cost of these ships is likely closer to the $55-60 million-per-ship range Malaysia paid for its OPV 1800s, as opposed to the $250-300 million one can expect from the SIGMA.

The PN is separately adding the subsystems and weapons, so the unit cost of the Yarmook-class will likely reach closer to $75-90 million per ship. In any case, it offers a comparatively low-cost means to the PN for getting a ship that can patrol Pakistan’s full exclusive economic zone (EEZ), while also retaining the ability to deploy anti-ship missiles (AShM) and electronic intelligence (ELINT) systems.

It will be interesting to see if the PN opts for additional ships. The PN could have an option for two follow-on ships, though that might be a contingency in case another program (e.g., MILGEM/Jinnah-class or Type 054A/P) faces delays. Alternatively, the PN could also look at building a larger fleet of these ‘corvettes’ as a lower cost means of scaling-up its maritime policing and coalition efforts without diverting its frigates.

Yarmook-Class Corvette
Damen Shipyards Group does not have a profile for the Yarmook-class. However, its earlier collateral had designated the Yarmook-class as the ‘OPV 1900.’ However, there is no profile for the ‘OPV 1900’ either. It seems that the closest design to the Yarmook-class is the ‘OPV 2400,’ which displaces at 2,400 tons, which is close to the Yarmook-class’ 2,300 tons. The following specifications are inferred based on the OPV 2400.

Specifications:

• Displacement: 2,300 tons
• Length: 90 m
• Beam: 14.4 m
• Top Speed: 23 knots
• Range: 6,000 nautical miles
• Endurance: 40 days
• Crew: 60+

The Yarmook-class also offers a landing pad and hangar for a helicopter. In addition, it can carry two RHIB (rigid-hulled inflatable boats), specifically one 11.5 m and one 6.5 m RHIB.

Damen Shipyard Group’s press release also confirms that the Yarmook-class contains space for two special mission modules, i.e., identical to the OPV 2400. Damen says that the end-user can use these modules for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), mine countermeasures (MCM), logistics and other roles.[4]

Weapon Systems

Based on a scale model, the Yarmook-class will be equipped with a remote weapon station for a cannon, but the caliber is not clear. It is not a 76 mm main gun, rather, it seems to be the size the Aselsan STAMP.

Anti-Ship/Surface Warfare

The scale model shows two quad-cell launchers for anti-ship missiles (AShM). If the PN is continuing with this arrangement, then the AShM is likely the C-802A. If it instead switches to the Harbah, then it will add two three-cell launchers instead. The latter would offer a land-attack capability to the Yarmook-class.

Anti-Air Warfare

The scale model includes a close-in-weapons-system (CIWS) towards the aft of the ship. The model seems to show the Chinese Type 730, but the Aselsan GOKDENIZ may be an option as well. The CIWS will offer a measure of point-defence protection against low-flying threats, but the Yarmook-class will ultimately rely on the area-wide air defence coverage of the Type 054A/P and/or MILGEM.

Anti-Submarine Warfare

According to Damen Shipyards Group, the Yarmook-class can carry two special mission containers. If it is similar to the OPV 2400, then ASW is an option. Specifically, Damen says that the OPV 2400 can carry a side-scan sonar through the container. It is unclear if this also includes torpedo launchers, but it is possible the response measure may come through an accompanying helicopter.

The PN is unlikely to dedicate the containers for ASW in peacetime; for the latter, it may keep the space open for humanitarian and disaster relief (HADR), search-and-rescue (SAR), and other missions.

Subsystems

The PN did not disclose exactly how it will configure the Yarmook-class’ subsystems. It will carry Aselsan’s ALPER LPI (low-probability-of-intercept) radar, however besides that, the system-set is not known.

However, the corvettes were intended to undertake the following roles:

Anti-Surface Operations

This capability would come through the AShMs and, potentially, either a main search radar (e.g., Aselsan SMART-S Mk2) or by relying on the Naval Information Exchange System (NIXS). The corvettes will leverage area-wide situational awareness and, likely, offboard sensors from other ships and aircraft for targeting.

Anti-Air Operations

The corvette will rely on its CIWS to carry out this role. However, it could rely on a radar to direct the CIWS towards its potential target, or use an electro-optical (EO) tracker.

Surveillance and Intelligence Gathering Operations

This role would imply the inclusion of an electronic support measures (ESM) suite, specifically one with an ELINT system to passively monitor and record enemy radar and communications signals. Alternatively, the corvette could use its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to monitor an area visually using an EO turret.

https://quwa.org/2020/05/27/pakista...qPnlqtxVEItFk9owSl-pU6w5JJ7tYXmbhrwdtSMhUeiqY

[1] Press Release. “Commissioning Ceremony of Offshore Patrol Vessel PNS ‘Yarmook.’” Damen Shipyards Group. 14 February 2020. URL: https://www.damen.com/en/news/2020/02/commissioning_ceremony_of_offshore_patrol_vessel_pns_yarmook

[2] Statements from Ed Veen, Manager of Naval Sales Support, Damen Shipyards Group. Available via Video:

[3] Ibid.

[4] Press Release. “Commissioning Ceremony of Offshore Patrol Vessel PNS ‘Yarmook.’” Damen Shipyards Group. 14 February 2020. URL: https://www.damen.com/en/news/2020/02/commissioning_ceremony_of_offshore_patrol_vessel_pns_yarmook

So chines fac were said to be 50 million a piece and these Ships are 70-80 million a piece and with 40 days endurance and 6000 km plus Range with almost same anti air 1x ciws and anti surface 8x ssm plus anti sub two x 20 ft container modules refit any time and with heli Plus hanger, this is not a bad deal

The OPV should have some sort of SAM system like FM90 of it's own because I personally feel that in future entire dependence for AD on other platforms shall not be effective. It is mentioned on same forum that perhaps PN shall go for some sort of upgrade of F22P, so there gadgets if replaced can be deployed on Yarmooks in near future.

I think plaan has moved on to hq-10 which provided pretty much same range and coverage but has dual guidance modes plus more rounds up to 24 per launcher for larger ships and for medium size 18 and the smallest launcher has 8

http://www.military-today.com/missiles/hhq_10.htm

It is stated that this ship carries 1x 11’meter RIB and 1x6meter RIB but I see three RIBs at least on the model ??

 

[PakAlp]

After the navy is upgraded, we then need atleast 50 Deep Strike Jets to replace Mirage 5. They should be able to deep Strike in to the Arabian sea and indian navy bases. The new jets should be made part of the Pak navy. Navy drones should soon follow.

 

[aliaselin]

commercial standard，ie，toys in wartime

 

[khanasifm]

commercial standard，ie，toys in wartime

Is based on your United States Navy deployment and war experience Or / and your deign, build and testing of USN Ronald Regan and Gerald Ford experience

 

[aliaselin]

Is based on your United States Navy deployment and war experience Or / and your deign, build and testing of USN Ronald Regan and Gerald Ford experience

Can‘t understand what you said. USN Ronald Regan and Gerald Ford are both built based on military stardard. Only Europeans love using this kind of method to reduce cost because they never prepare a mordern war seriously.

 

[T-123456]

In 2017, Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence Production (MoDP) signed a deal with the Dutch contractor Damen Shipyards Group for two offshore patrol vessels (OPV). Originally a 1,900-ton design, both Damen and the PN converted the program into two 2,300-ton ships, which they re-designated as ‘corvettes.’

Damen Shipyards Group delivered the first ship, PNS Yarmook, in February 2020, and will hand the second one – i.e., PNS Tabuk — over to the PN in May 2020. The PN will use the corvettes as general-purpose ships for both peacetime policing as well as conventional wartime operations.

Timeline of Acquisition
Damen Shipyards Group won a tender to supply multi-mission corvettes to the PN. In 2017, a Louisiana-based contractor, Swiftships, announced that it won a PN contract two corvettes, plus an option to supply two additional ships. The stated role of these ships – i.e., 75 m ‘Swift Corvette’ – was identical to the role intended for the Damen OPVs, indicating that two contractors were competing for the same program.

However, besides an official statement by Swiftships, there was no follow-up regarding the Swift Corvette, which indicates that Swiftships ultimately lost to Damen Shipyards Group.

2017: Orders

In June 2017, the MoDP inked a contract with Damen Shipyards Group for two OPVs. Karachi Shipyards & Engineering Works (KSEW) was supposed to build one of the ships. However, the PN altered the contract and, in turn, awarded Damen Shipyards to build both ships at its facilities in Galati, Romania. Based on the Swift Corvette news, it would seem that the PN could have an option to buy two additional ships.

2020: Deliveries

Damen Shipyards Group launched the lead ship for tests in May 2019, and the second ship in September 2019. The PN commissioned the first ship, PNS Yarmook (F-271), in February 2020. It will take delivery of the second ship, PNS Tabuk, in May 2020.[1] However, the PN opted to fit the ships with their weapons and subsystems in Pakistan, so the corvettes may not be fully mission-ready before 2021, at the earliest.

‘Built to Commercial Standards’
The PN refers to the ships as ‘corvettes’ and, in turn, intends to use them in wartime. However, according to Damen Shipyards Group, the Yarmook-class is, technically speaking, an OPV. Its representatives stated that these ships were built to “commercial standards,” which results in a lower acquisition cost.[2] But the PN did specify several military requirements, which Damen Shipyards Group added to the design.[3]

Overall, it seems that PN got a custom design based on Damen’s OPVs, but with added elements from the Damen’s SIGMA-line of military-standard corvettes and frigates.

A unique characteristic of the PN’s ‘corvette’ is that the superstructure bears aesthetic similarities to the SIGMA-line, especially at the bow/fore. However, Damen’s representatives stated that the PN’s ships are, technically, OPVs. So, the acquisition cost of these ships is likely closer to the $55-60 million-per-ship range Malaysia paid for its OPV 1800s, as opposed to the $250-300 million one can expect from the SIGMA.

The PN is separately adding the subsystems and weapons, so the unit cost of the Yarmook-class will likely reach closer to $75-90 million per ship. In any case, it offers a comparatively low-cost means to the PN for getting a ship that can patrol Pakistan’s full exclusive economic zone (EEZ), while also retaining the ability to deploy anti-ship missiles (AShM) and electronic intelligence (ELINT) systems.

It will be interesting to see if the PN opts for additional ships. The PN could have an option for two follow-on ships, though that might be a contingency in case another program (e.g., MILGEM/Jinnah-class or Type 054A/P) faces delays. Alternatively, the PN could also look at building a larger fleet of these ‘corvettes’ as a lower cost means of scaling-up its maritime policing and coalition efforts without diverting its frigates.

Yarmook-Class Corvette
Damen Shipyards Group does not have a profile for the Yarmook-class. However, its earlier collateral had designated the Yarmook-class as the ‘OPV 1900.’ However, there is no profile for the ‘OPV 1900’ either. It seems that the closest design to the Yarmook-class is the ‘OPV 2400,’ which displaces at 2,400 tons, which is close to the Yarmook-class’ 2,300 tons. The following specifications are inferred based on the OPV 2400.

Specifications:

• Displacement: 2,300 tons
• Length: 90 m
• Beam: 14.4 m
• Top Speed: 23 knots
• Range: 6,000 nautical miles
• Endurance: 40 days
• Crew: 60+

The Yarmook-class also offers a landing pad and hangar for a helicopter. In addition, it can carry two RHIB (rigid-hulled inflatable boats), specifically one 11.5 m and one 6.5 m RHIB.

Damen Shipyard Group’s press release also confirms that the Yarmook-class contains space for two special mission modules, i.e., identical to the OPV 2400. Damen says that the end-user can use these modules for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), mine countermeasures (MCM), logistics and other roles.[4]

Weapon Systems

Based on a scale model, the Yarmook-class will be equipped with a remote weapon station for a cannon, but the caliber is not clear. It is not a 76 mm main gun, rather, it seems to be the size the Aselsan STAMP.

Anti-Ship/Surface Warfare

The scale model shows two quad-cell launchers for anti-ship missiles (AShM). If the PN is continuing with this arrangement, then the AShM is likely the C-802A. If it instead switches to the Harbah, then it will add two three-cell launchers instead. The latter would offer a land-attack capability to the Yarmook-class.

Anti-Air Warfare

The scale model includes a close-in-weapons-system (CIWS) towards the aft of the ship. The model seems to show the Chinese Type 730, but the Aselsan GOKDENIZ may be an option as well. The CIWS will offer a measure of point-defence protection against low-flying threats, but the Yarmook-class will ultimately rely on the area-wide air defence coverage of the Type 054A/P and/or MILGEM.

Anti-Submarine Warfare

According to Damen Shipyards Group, the Yarmook-class can carry two special mission containers. If it is similar to the OPV 2400, then ASW is an option. Specifically, Damen says that the OPV 2400 can carry a side-scan sonar through the container. It is unclear if this also includes torpedo launchers, but it is possible the response measure may come through an accompanying helicopter.

The PN is unlikely to dedicate the containers for ASW in peacetime; for the latter, it may keep the space open for humanitarian and disaster relief (HADR), search-and-rescue (SAR), and other missions.

Subsystems

The PN did not disclose exactly how it will configure the Yarmook-class’ subsystems. It will carry Aselsan’s ALPER LPI (low-probability-of-intercept) radar, however besides that, the system-set is not known.

However, the corvettes were intended to undertake the following roles:

Anti-Surface Operations

This capability would come through the AShMs and, potentially, either a main search radar (e.g., Aselsan SMART-S Mk2) or by relying on the Naval Information Exchange System (NIXS). The corvettes will leverage area-wide situational awareness and, likely, offboard sensors from other ships and aircraft for targeting.

Anti-Air Operations

The corvette will rely on its CIWS to carry out this role. However, it could rely on a radar to direct the CIWS towards its potential target, or use an electro-optical (EO) tracker.

Surveillance and Intelligence Gathering Operations

This role would imply the inclusion of an electronic support measures (ESM) suite, specifically one with an ELINT system to passively monitor and record enemy radar and communications signals. Alternatively, the corvette could use its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to monitor an area visually using an EO turret.

https://quwa.org/2020/05/27/pakista...qPnlqtxVEItFk9owSl-pU6w5JJ7tYXmbhrwdtSMhUeiqY

[1] Press Release. “Commissioning Ceremony of Offshore Patrol Vessel PNS ‘Yarmook.’” Damen Shipyards Group. 14 February 2020. URL: https://www.damen.com/en/news/2020/02/commissioning_ceremony_of_offshore_patrol_vessel_pns_yarmook

[2] Statements from Ed Veen, Manager of Naval Sales Support, Damen Shipyards Group. Available via Video:

[3] Ibid.

[4] Press Release. “Commissioning Ceremony of Offshore Patrol Vessel PNS ‘Yarmook.’” Damen Shipyards Group. 14 February 2020. URL: https://www.damen.com/en/news/2020/02/commissioning_ceremony_of_offshore_patrol_vessel_pns_yarmook

@Bilal Khan (Quwa) how do you rate these ships?

 

[Bilal Khan (Quwa)]

@Bilal Khan (Quwa) how do you rate these ships?

I think the steel/build is that of a standard OPV, but the weapon systems are of a much higher grade (e.g., the PN's ships will get full AShM loads). My guess? The PN intends to use them as normal OPVs in peacetime, but in wartime, keep them as reserves for launching AShM/LACM. Basically, the 'every ship counts' mentality.

However, I'd be interested in seeing if the PN opts for a corvette with dedicated AShM, ASW and AAW capabilities. I think high cost relative to capability is an obstacle to that idea. But something like the C-1200 concept could work if the cost is low while still retaining full AShW, ASW and AAW (via VLS).

http://www.deltamarine.com.tr/en/products/products-naval.php?NavalName=Corvette_(C-1200)#

 

[Pakistan Ka Beta]

Can‘t understand what you said. USN Ronald Regan and Gerald Ford are both built based on military stardard. Only Europeans love using this kind of method to reduce cost because they never prepare a mordern war seriously.

@Bilal Khan (Quwa) how do you rate these ships?

Role of these Ships will be different then Type 054A/P , Milgem Corvettes/light frigates and F-22Ps . These Ships will be used mostly for coastal security/Patrol i.e Gawadar e.t.c , Pakistan Navy Independent maritime patrols in IOR and Overseas deployments during peace time .Upgradation /modernization of F-22Ps are on the agenda as well once few Type O54A/P frigates are inducted .

 

[Gentelman]

These can be rangers of Navy....
A launch platform of SSGN or Marines around Sir Creek areas and also will help gathering intelligence!!