At the currently ongoing IDEF exhibition, a model of the NNS Aradu (F89) is being displayed at the Dearsan Shipyard booth.
The MEKO 360 frigate NNS Aradu at IDEF 2023. (Picture source: Navy Recognition)
The NNS Aradu, which translates to "Thunder" in Hausa, is a renowned ship of the Nigerian Navy. Built by the German company Blohm + Voss, the NNS Aradu is the first in the series of the MEKO 360 general-purpose frigates and stands as the largest vessel in the Nigerian Navy.
The NNS Aradu is renowned for its capacity to carry out anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare effectively. It has also participated in notable events such as the 200th-anniversary celebrations of the Battle of Trafalgar. Beyond its warfare capabilities, the ship is equipped for electronic warfare and can provide naval fire support.
The ship comes with a ship-borne Lynx Mk.89 helicopter which is utilized for anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue operations, and enhanced surveillance/detection.
The NNS Aradu has a displacement of 3,360 long tons at full load. She is powered by a combination of 2 Rolls-Royce Olympus TM3B gas turbines and 2 MTU 20V 956 TM92 diesel engines, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 30.5 knots (56.5 km/h).
Dearsan Shipyard's task is to refurbish the NNS Aradu, ensuring its continued operational capacity for the Nigerian Navy.
