ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s Navy carried out a major exercise in the North Arabian Sea on Saturday, showcasing live firing of a surface-to-air missile, testing of loitering munitions, and open-sea trials of an unmanned surface vessel. The drills highlighted the Navy’s growing focus on air defence and autonomous warfare amid shifting regional security dynamics.
The exercise demonstrated both conventional and advanced capabilities, reflecting lessons learned from last year’s conflict with India, which underscored the importance of surveillance, precision strikes, and multi-domain operations. The Navy successfully fired the LY-80(N) Surface-to-Air Missile from its Vertical Launching System at extended range, effectively neutralizing an aerial target and validating the long-range capabilities of its modern air defense systems.
Surface targets were also engaged using loitering munitions, illustrating precision strike potential. In addition, unmanned surface vessels underwent open-sea trials, proving high-speed performance, durability, and operational readiness in challenging maritime conditions.
Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, praised the professionalism and competence of naval personnel, reiterating the Navy’s commitment to safeguarding Pakistan’s maritime interests and maintaining robust seaward defense.
The exercise reflects Pakistan’s strategic shift toward integrating advanced technology and autonomous systems into its naval operations.
