Nigeria Set to Receive Two Turkish-made Patrol Vessels in 2025

Nigeria is set to receive two Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) built by Turkish firm, Dearsan Shipyard during the current year.

Dearsan Shipyard began the construction of two OPV-76 vessels for the Nigerian Navy under a November 2021 agreement.

Following the successful sea trials of the first vessel, the second vessel, P204, has also successfully completed its testing.

The two OPV-76 ships are scheduled for delivery to Nigeria in 2025.

The ships are 76.8 meters long, 11 meters wide, and capable of reaching a maximum cruising speed of 30 knots during sea trials. Additionally, each vessel is equipped with a deck capable of carrying a medium-sized helicopter.

According to a SavunmaSanayist report, the OPV-76 class ships are designed with a modular structure, offering flexibility for tasks such as maritime patrol, surveillance, anti-smuggling, search and rescue, and special forces deployment.

Reconfigurable with additional sensors and weapons, they are adaptable to various missions and cost-effective. In peacetime, the ships will primarily focus on combating piracy and illegal fishing in the Gulf of Guinea. 

Each vessel will carry a crew of 43 and will be equipped with advanced weaponry, including the Marlin 40 main gun, Aselsan 30mm Guard gun, and 12.7mm Stamp weapon system, along with the ADVENT combat management system.

In addition to the OPV-76 project, Dearsan Shipyard is modernizing Nigeria's NNS ARADU (F89) Frigate and building a 57-meter Tuzla-class offshore patrol boat, reinforcing its commitment to supporting the Nigerian Navy.