Karachi: Pakistan Navy carried out a wide-ranging live-fire exercise in the North Arabian Sea, testing new missiles, drones and unmanned vessels as part of its push to modernise maritime warfare and strengthen regional deterrence.
The drills brought together conventional warships and emerging autonomous systems, underscoring what officials described as a shift toward technology-driven naval operations.
During the exercise, a warship launched a LY-80(N) surface-to-air missile from a vertical launch system, striking an aerial target at extended range.
The successful intercept demonstrated the navy’s ability to detect, track and destroy airborne threats at long distances, validating the effectiveness of its upgraded air-defense shield. Naval officials said the test confirmed the missile’s role in protecting fleets and critical maritime assets against hostile aircraft and incoming munitions.
Meanwhile, the navy also tested loitering munitions, a new class of precision weapons that can hover over a target area before diving in to strike.
The munitions successfully hit and destroyed designated surface targets, showing their potential to provide flexible, low-cost firepower against ships or coastal positions. Military planners say such systems are becoming central to modern naval battles, where speed, accuracy and remote operation are increasingly decisive.
In addition, Pakistan’s navy conducted open-sea trials of an unmanned surface vessel, or USV, designed to operate at high speed while withstanding harsh maritime conditions.
The trials confirmed the craft’s ability to navigate with precision, maneuver sharply and remain stable in rough weather. Officials described the vessel as a low-risk, high-impact platform that can perform surveillance or tactical missions while keeping human crews out of danger.
Vice Admiral Abdul Munib, Commander Pakistan Fleet, observed the drills at sea and reviewed the performance of the participating units, officials said.
He was joined by senior officers as the navy tested how its new technologies integrate with traditional naval forces in realistic combat scenarios.
Later, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf praised the officers and sailors involved, calling their performance a reflection of the navy’s growing professionalism and combat readiness.
He reaffirmed that the Pakistan Navy would continue to safeguard the country’s maritime borders and protect national interests at sea, regardless of circumstances, as it adapts to the evolving nature of naval warfare.
