Which Pakistani Warship Collided With an Indian Navy Vessel? All About PNS Hunain

A naval incident in the northern Arabian Sea has brought India-Pakistan maritime operations into focus.

On the evening of September 15, 2026, Pakistan Navy vessel PNS Hunain (F-273) came into contact with an Indian Navy frontline warship. According to the Indian account reported by Aaj Tak, PNS Hunain approached the Indian vessel at high speed and the two warships collided while the Indian ship was carrying out a routine surveillance mission.

The Indian side said its warship did not suffer major damage. PNS Hunain, however, reportedly sustained significant damage and subsequently returned to port. The Indian captain's response was also described as restrained, helping prevent a potentially more serious incident.

Following the incident, India lodged a strong diplomatic protest. Pakistan's Chargé d'Affaires was summoned to India's Ministry of External Affairs. India said the incident occurred in international waters and alleged that the Pakistani vessel's actions were inconsistent with Article 10 of the 1991 India-Pakistan agreement, which includes provisions concerning prior notification and precautions related to military exercises and manoeuvres.

What is PNS Hunain?

PNS Hunain (F-273) is a Yarmook-class Batch-II offshore patrol corvette operated by the Pakistan Navy. The vessel was built in Romania by Damen Shipyards and entered Pakistani naval service in July 2024. The Batch-II vessels are larger and more capable than the earlier Yarmook-class ships.

PNS Hunain: Key Specifications

• Displacement: Approximately 2,600 tonnes
• Length: Around 95.8–98 metres
• Beam: Around 14.4–14.6 metres
• Draft: Approximately 4 metres
• Propulsion: Four Caterpillar diesel engines
• Maximum speed: Around 41–44 km/h
• Range: Around 11,000 km at cruising speed
• Endurance: Up to around 40 days at sea
• Crew: Reportedly around 60 to more than 100 personnel
• Aviation capability: Helicopter and UAV operations
• Boats: Capacity for two RHIB boats

Weapons and Defence Systems

PNS Hunain can be equipped with a range of weapons and naval systems. Its reported configuration includes a 30 mm Aselsan SMASH remote weapon station and two 12.7 mm Aselsan STAMP remote weapon stations.

The vessel can also carry Harbah anti-ship/land-attack missiles, with two four-cell launchers reported as part of its possible configuration. For close-in defence, a 20 mm Phalanx Block 1B CIWS or similar system can be fitted. A vertical-launch surface-to-air missile system has also been reported as a possible capability, although the exact configuration may vary.

The ship is also equipped with systems including the MR-36A surface and air-search radar, electronic warfare equipment and decoy launchers. Its roles include maritime security, patrol operations, anti-surface warfare and limited air-defence missions.

What Happens Next?

The collision is likely to remain a matter of diplomatic and military attention because it involved naval vessels from India and Pakistan operating in the Arabian Sea.

The available report primarily reflects the Indian account of the incident. The exact circumstances surrounding the collision, including the actions and navigational decisions of both vessels, should be assessed against official statements from both sides and any subsequent investigation.