Dearsan Shipyard wins contract to refit Nigerian frigate NNS Aradu.

According to a PR published by Dearsan Shipyard on June 6, 2023, the contract that was sealed represents a significant milestone, focusing on the Refit and Remodeling project of the frigate NNS Aradu (F89), which holds the title of being the flagship of the Nigerian Navy.
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Nigerian MEKO 360-class frigate NNS Aradu. (Picture source: Dearsan Shipyard)

The NNS Aradu, a MEKO 360-class frigate, was originally built by the renowned German Blohm & Voss Shipyard and commissioned in 1982. With a remarkable length of 125 meters and a displacement of 3500 tons, the historical frigate will undergo a comprehensive refit and remodeling process at Dearsan Shipyard in Tuzla, Istanbul.

This ambitious project aims to address the aging and obsolete systems, equipment, and devices of the NNS ARADU. By repairing or renewing these components with modern equivalents, the frigate will be elevated to meet the standards of contemporary naval vessels.

The meticulous refurbishment seeks to ensure the frigate's continued operational effectiveness while aligning it with the technological advancements of the present era.

In addition to the NNS Aradu project, the contract encompasses the delivery of a 57-meter Tuzla Class Patrol Boat to the Nigerian Navy. With this acquisition, the Nigerian Navy will become the fourth user of this highly capable vessel, following in the footsteps of the Turkish Naval Forces, Turkmenistan Navy, and Turkmenistan Coast Guard Command. Notably, this delivery marks the 27th unit of the 57-meter Patrol Boat, highlighting its proven success and widespread utilization.

The patrol boat, equipped with a range of capabilities, will play an active role in various naval operations. From patrol and escort duties to intelligence gathering, reconnaissance, and surveillance missions, it will also contribute to anti-smuggling, anti-piracy efforts, and the protection of maritime rights, interests, and natural resources.

Additionally, the vessel will ensure maritime situation awareness and carry out inspections of illegal fisheries. Furthermore, the Patrol Boat will be armed with Anti-Air Warfare, Anti-Surface Warfare, and Asymmetric Warfare weapon systems, enhancing its defensive and offensive capabilities.

Dearsan Shipyard takes great pride in this achievement, as the Patrol Boat represents Turkey's first national warship. It is a source of happiness and honor that this remarkable vessel will now fulfill its duties in Nigerian territorial waters, further strengthening the maritime cooperation between the Republic of Türkiye and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

As Dearsan Shipyard forges ahead with modernization and new building projects, the company remains dedicated to nurturing the enduring relationship between the two nations.

Furthermore, the shipyard is committed to achieving its export targets with Nigeria and other countries, serving as a testament to its commitment to excellence and global maritime collaboration.

About the frigate

The NNS Aradu, with a full load displacement of 3,360 long tons (3,414 tonnes), is equipped with various propulsion systems, including 2 Rolls-Royce Olympus TM3B gas turbines generating 50,880 shp (37,940 kW), and 2 MTU 20V 956 TM92 diesel engines providing 10,420 bhp (7,770 kW).

The frigate has 2 shafts and 2 Kamewa controllable pitch propellers. She can achieve a top speed of 30.5 knots (56.5 km/h) and has a range of 6,500 nautical miles (12,000 km) at a speed of 15 knots (28 km/h). The complement of the NNS Aradu consists of 195 personnel, including 26 officers.

The frigate is equipped with several sensors and processing systems, such as the Plessey AWS 5 air/surface search radar, Racal Decca 1226 navigation radar, Signaal STIR fire control radar, and Atlas Elektronik sonar. For electronic warfare and decoy purposes, the NNS Aradu is equipped with two chaff dispensers and the Decca RDL-2 ESM system.

In terms of armament, the NNS Aradu carries 8 Otomat Mk 1 ship-to-ship missiles, 24 Aspide surface-to-air missiles in an octuple launcher configuration, and a 5-inch (127 mm) OTO Melara Otobreda 127/54 Compact gun.

She also features 8 Bofors 40 mm guns, 6 324 mm (13 in) torpedo tubes, and a depth charge rack. The frigate has the capacity to carry 1 Lynx Mk.89 helicopter.