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Several years after, Navy signs pact to remodel flagship

By Odita Sunday, Abuja
08 June 2023   |   1:32 am
As part of fleet recapitalisation efforts of the Federal Government, the Nigerian Navy, yesterday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dearsan Shipyard, Turkey to remodel the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) ARADU.

[FILES] Nigeria’s chief of naval staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (Photo by PIUS UTOMI EKPEI / AFP)

As part of fleet recapitalisation efforts of the Federal Government, the Nigerian Navy, yesterday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dearsan Shipyard, Turkey to remodel the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) ARADU.

 
NNS Aradu F89 (meaning “thunder” in Hausa) is a Nigerian frigate. It is the first of the MEKO 360 general-purpose frigates built by the German Blohm + Voss company of Hamburg.
 
The 125.6-metre (412 ft 1 inch) ship is the largest in the force. As a general-purpose frigate, Aradu has capabilities for anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, effectively participating in the 200th anniversary celebration of the Battle of Trafalgar.
 
The ship also possessed capability for naval fire support and electronic warfare. Additionally, it carries a ship-borne helicopter for anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, as well as enhanced surveillance and detection.
 
Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, said the pact was to refit the vessel to fortify the force for enhanced security within the nation’s Nigeria’s maritime domain. He said NNS ARADU, which was commissioned flagship in 1985, had represented Nigeria in diverse naval operations and exercises within Africa and beyond. 

The naval chief noted that it was the only variant of the five MEKO 360 frigates built in Germany for Argentine and Nigerian navies. According to him, wear and tear associated with sustained use, as well as the harsh operating environment has taken toll on the facility. 

His words: “However, with the support of the Federal Government through the unrelenting efforts of the standing Senate Committee on Rehabilitation of NNS ARADU, we are gathered here today (yesterday) to commence modalities to re-role and modernise the nation’s flag ship. 

“Another significance of today’s event is the landmark agreement for the supply of additional 57-metre Fast Attack Craft to support the remodelled flagship. 

“Undoubtedly, operationalisation of these two vessels will not only increase the fleet of ship, but also reposition the Nigerian Navy for enhanced maritime security operations for socio-economic prosperity of Nigeria and Africa at large.”   

Gambo said the choice of Messrs Dearsan Shipyard was based on the company’s track record in high-quality ship building capability and strict adherence to timelines. He added that the firm was currently constructing two High Endurance 76-metre offshore patrol vessels for the Navy in Turkey. 

According to him, a major consideration is the fact that the several equipment, auxiliaries and subsystems being used in the construction of the offshore patrol vessels would be fitted onboard NNS ARADU.

This, to him, is to enhance operability and equipment standardisation, which undoubtedly would guarantee seamless maintenance necessary to extend lifespan of the remodeled flagship.  

He said the MoU would re-ignite the partnership between both organisations in promoting synergy towards enhancing security, as well as fostering operations and shipbuilding engagements that will enhance capability for the sustainable development of the blue economy for Nigeria’s prosperity.

Gambo appreciated the sustained efforts and support from the government, saying it has been instrumental to successes recorded by the Navy.    Chief Policy and Plans (Navy), Rear Admiral Saidu Garba, said the 125.6-metre ship is the largest in the naval inventory as a general proposed frigate.He noted that NNS ARADU was an all-purpose frigate fighting ship, capable of undertaking several missions in concert with other units.

According to him, it has a sustained and independent blue water patrol over a range of 6,500 miles and provides gunfire support to friendly forces operating up to 16 kilometres from the coast. He said: “It has capability for air defence, submarine warfare, electronic warfare and the ship warfare missiles main lane, as well as airborne or surface search and rescue.

“Since our entry into the service, NNS Aradu has taken part in major naval exercises, fleet reviews and diplomatic cruises.

“The ship has undertaken extensive diplomatic visits to countries like Gabon, Congo, Zaire, Equatorial Guinea and numerous European countries.”

Managing Director, Dearsan Shipyard Turkey, Mukat Gordi, thanked the Nigerian Navy for the opportunity to take responsibility as the prime contractor of NNS ARADU modernisation programme.

He recalled that the relationship between them began following the signing ceremony of 76m offshore patrol vessels in December 2021. Gordi said the 76m OPVS programme had progressed as planned, adding that they target to launch the OPVS by the end of the year and deliver the vessels earlier than the contractual dates.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy, Sen. George Sekibo, said the Navy had worked excellently with the upper legislative chamber to achieve results.

Sekibo said the MoU signing was a landmark achievement, owing to the fact that the refitting of the ship appeared impossible at a time. The lawmamaker acknowledged that there has been tremendous improvement in security within the nation’s maritime environment.

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