Turkish defense firm’s 1st Nigerian patrol vessel passes sea trials
Offshore Patrol Vessel OPV 76 (Daersan Shipyard)
Dearsan, a key player in the Turkish defense industry, has successfully completed the first sea trials of its inaugural offshore patrol vessel (OPV) built for the Nigerian Navy.
The 76-meter-long vessel achieved a speed of approximately 30 knots during tests.
Project overview and specifications
The ship’s keel was laid on Sept. 16, 2022, and was completed just 2 years later. The ship, which was launched in October of the previous year, has a twin that was launched in April of this year.
The Dearsan Shipyard built and equipped these ships with Havelsan’s combat management systems. These systems enable the vessels to operate effectively in both peacetime and wartime scenarios. Furthermore, the ships can be quickly retrofitted with additional sensors and weapons as required.
Role of Aziz Yildirim, chairman of Dearsan
Aziz Yildirim, chairman of the Board of Dearsan Shipyard, played a crucial role throughout the project, from the initial contracting phase to the launching process. His leadership was instrumental in tailoring the shipyard’s capabilities to meet specific requirements of the Nigerian Navy.
Technical specifications
- Dimensions: 76.9 meters long, 11.9 meters wide, 3.6 meters draft
- Displacement: 1,100 tons
- Cruising range: 2,500 nautical miles
- Maximum speed: 28 knots
- Crew capacity: 47 people
- Endurance: 16 days
Defense capabilities and systems
Turk Loydu classified the ship and noted it was built with entirely indigenous systems. Its weaponry includes a 76 mm bow gun, a 40 mm cannon, two 12.7 mm remotely controlled stabilized machine guns, two 12.7 mm manual machine guns, and two SAM SIMBAD-RC air defense systems.
Future projects and strategic cooperation
Dearsan is also involved in the refurbishment of Nigeria’s flagship frigate, the NNS ARADU (F89), and the construction of a 57-meter Tuzla class patrol boat for the Nigerian Navy. This collaboration not only strengthens defense ties between Turkiye and Nigeria but also reinforces Turkiye’s position in the African defense sector.
These new OPVs are anticipated to significantly enhance Nigeria’s naval capabilities and improve security operations within its territorial waters.
