Attending the event as Chief Guest was the Chief of the Naval Staff of the Pakistan Navy, Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi NI (M) S BT. Also in attendance were other representatives of the Pakistan Navy, as well as representatives of the Romanian Government and Navy, members of the Pakistan community in Romania, and Damen.

During a speech to mark the event, the Chief Guest acknowledged Damen’s achievement in constructing the vessel in such a short time, resulting from the company’s practice of building ships according to proven designs. He highlighted the critical role the vessel will undertake in securing maritime trade in the Indian Ocean region and providing regional stability.

Damen’s Chief Operations Officer, Marc van Heyningen, also delivered a speech at the ceremony, during which he thanked the Admiral for his attendance and highlighted the long-standing relationship between Damen and the Pakistan Navy. 

Damen Regional Sales Director Stephan Stout, speaking after the launch, said, “It’s a proud moment for everyone involved in the project to see the vessel in the water for the first time. On behalf of Damen, I would like to thank the Pakistan Navy for continuing to trust our company. I look forward to the commissioning phase of PNS Hunain, preparing the vessel for successful delivery and having her ready for the important work it will undertake in securing the seas of the Indian Ocean region.”

The Pakistan Navy ordered two additional vessels in 2020 and the construction activities of the first of the OPVs (PNS HUNAIN), also known as YARMOOK Batch II, started on July 15, 2022. The first ship's keel laying ceremony and the second ship’s first steel cutting ceremony were held on October 12, 2022, with the participation of Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan NIAZI, Chief of Naval Staff of Pakistan. Unlike the first two vessels, the YARMOOK Batch II OPVs, which will be delivered to the Pakistan Navy in February and August in 2024, are based on the OPV 2600 design. YARMOOK Batch II OPVs, which will be 98m long, 14.4m wide, and weigh approximately 2,600 tons, will be able to reach a speed of 24 knots and have a cruise range of 6,000nmi with a speed of 12 knots. They can be operated by 60 crew and will also have space for an additional 36 crew. As in the first batch of two vessels, Turkish Defense Industry companies are anticipated to undertake roles in the YARMOOK Batch II OPVs with their products.