Pakistan Navy continues to enhance its capabilities in response to rapidly evolving maritime challenges. Admiral Naveed Ashraf Chief of Naval Staff emphasized the importance of modernizing the fleet and fostering international collaboration to ensure security in the Indian Ocean.
Speaking about the challenges in the region, Admiral Ashraf in statements shared by the press office, outlined a mix of traditional and non-traditional threats, including maritime terrorism, piracy, drug trafficking, and smuggling. He stressed the Navy’s balanced approach, designed to address diverse security concerns while maintaining a combat-ready and adaptive force.
Focus on Indigenization and Modernization
Admiral Ashraf highlighted the Navy’s commitment to indigenization as a cornerstone of its modernization strategy. “Our development strategy focuses on progressive capability enhancement through the acquisition of force multipliers, indigenous solutions, and innovative technologies,” he stated.
Recent acquisitions include Type 054A/P frigates from China, MILGEM-class corvettes from Türkiye, and offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) from Romania. Two MILGEM-class ships are under construction locally at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KS&EW). Leveraging this experience, the Navy plans to construct the Jinnah-class frigates, marking its first indigenously designed and built frigate-sized warship.
Integration of Autonomous Technologies
The Navy has also made strides in adopting unmanned systems, including the CASC Rainbow CH-4, Boeing MQ-27 Scan Eagle, and Rheinmetall Luna NG UAVs. These platforms are integrated into naval operations for surveillance and maritime domain awareness. Admiral Ashraf emphasized a hybrid approach that combines manned and unmanned systems, optimizing operational flexibility while reducing maintenance and operating costs.
Collaborative Maritime Security
Admiral Ashraf reaffirmed Pakistan Navy’s role in collaborative maritime security initiatives, citing contributions to Combined Task Forces (CTF-150 and CTF-151), Regional Maritime Security Patrols (RMSPs), and multinational exercises such as AMAN. “Collaboration is imperative for ensuring maritime security in the region,” he remarked, highlighting the Navy’s efforts to safeguard vital sea lanes in the Arabian Sea.
Preparing Future Leadership
In response to questions about preparing future naval leaders, Admiral Ashraf underscored the importance of aligning training with technological advancements. He emphasized fostering conviction and a sense of purpose among cadets, noting that these qualities are essential for effective leadership in an evolving maritime environment.
Through a balanced approach to modernization and collaboration, Pakistan Navy is steadily positioning itself as a key player in ensuring maritime security and regional stability.
Source: Pakistan Navy Press Office
