Turkey’s Dearsan Shipyard has launched the first of two offshore patrol vessels (OPV) constructed for the Nigerian Navy in a ceremony in Istanbul.
The High-Endurance 76-meter (250-foot) OPV will be used for the navy’s interception, surveillance, search and rescue, and escort missions in Nigerian waters.
The ship will be manned and operated by a total of 48 people, and will be able to reach a top speed of 28 knots.
Additional main features include a range of 2,500 nautical miles, and the ability to operate unreplenished for 16 days.
The OPV comes amid Nigeria’s push to strengthen its maritime presence to combat the rise of piracy attacks in the region.
Built to Defend
The OPV will be fitted with 2D reconnaissance and surveillance radar, a navigation radar, electro-optical and advanced communications systems, and a Combat Management System, according to a report from Naval News.
Additionally, the peacetime vessel is designed to be capable of equipping modular sensors and maritime weapons in case of wartime needs.
Its secondary missions as a multi-purpose seacraft include asymmetric warfare, anti-piracy, anti-smuggling, anti-drug trafficking, and disaster response.
