Pakistan Naval Chief’s Interview with International Defence Analysis

Since I have assumed Command of Pakistan Navy, the geopolitical environment of our region is changing rapidly especially due to ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict with its butterfly effect in Yemen & Iran. The already volatile maritime security environment coupled with diverse range of traditional and non-traditional maritime threats necessitates a robust, adaptive and technologically advanced Navy with well-trained HR.

Therefore, since assuming command as Chief of the Naval Staff, the most pressing challenge was to boost combat readiness through optimal utilization of resources and completion of ongoing Projects under financial constraints in order to boast Pakistan Navy’s prowess in increasingly complex maritime security environment in the region. During my tenure, I am most eager to Prepare Pakistan Navy to counter both conventional and unconventional threats being posed to us. In addition, I would like to see PN performing 24/7 while ensuring security and stability in NAS. I am committed to strengthening Pakistan’s role as a key maritime player, capable of contributing to regional stability while protecting our sea lines of communication and economic interests.

Indigenization and modernization of Pakistan Navy is an important cardinal of my vision. Our development strategy is based on ‘progressive capability enhancement’ so as to create a balanced, potent and combat ready force to deal with the evolving threats through acquisition of force multipliers, indigenous and innovative technical solutions.

We have been focusing on induction of modern platforms, force multipliers, indigenization and maintaining diversified options to mitigate external dependencies. At the same time, we believe in making best use of available resources. Recently, we have inducted Type 054 A/P Frigates from China, OPVs Batch-l and Batch-II from Romania and MILGEM Class Corvette from Türkiye. These platforms with latest weapons and sensors will be a significant addition to PN existing capabilities to effectively deal with today’s complex multi-threat environment.

PN is in process of inducting remaining MILGEM class ships as 2 of these ships are being constructed indigenously at Pakistan (KS&EW). Based on experience gained during construction MILGEM Class Ships, Pakistan Navy is planning to build JINNAH Class Frigates (JCF) which will be our first ever indigenously designed and built frigate-sized warship.

Pakistan Navy has long and successful tradition in cooperating with international partners. We believe that the magnitude and diversity of threats and challenges in our region is such that no country has the wherewithal to tackle them alone. Therefore, Collaborative maritime security has become an imperative for ensuring maritime security in the region.

Our key principle is to keep the maritime environment safe against non-traditional threats and effectively contribute towards safety and security of vital sea lanes in the Arabian Sea, to our best abilities despite being a moderate Navy. There is no second opinion on the fact that intensifying naval cooperation with other navies will help ensure maritime security in the Arabian Sea and adjacent regions. PN contributions in CTF-150, CTF- 151, conduct of Regional Maritime Security Patrols (RMSPs) and regular participation in bi/ tri-lateral events, Ex AMAN, AMAN Dialogue, all point in the same direction.

PN, through naval diplomacy, contributes to the nation’s foreign policy objectives by showing Pakistan’s flag in countries far and wide; through Key Leadership Engagements; Navy to Navy Expert Level Staff Talks (ELSTS); Overseas Deployments (OSDs), participation in bilateral/ multilateral maritime exercises, Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief missions and undertaking Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations of stranded affectees from conflict zones.

In this regard, we have formally established Navy to Navy ELSTS mechanism with 23 Navies across the globe to pursue bilateral collaboration in a structured manner covering operational, training and technical cooperation aspects. PN Ships also regularly undertake port calls to Far East, Africa, Arabian Gulf, Mediterranean and Europe.

Pakistan has signed a deal with China for acquisition of 8 Hangor Class S/Ms. these will provide enough underwater war fighting capability, beyond 2025.

PN has made significant strides in developing and inducting unmanned aerial systems in the Navy and also integrating them with the naval operations. We are currently operating mix bag of tactical to MALE UAVs. These UAVs are primarily employed for surveillance purposes, significantly enhancing our capabilities in maritime domain awareness.

Operationally, we believe in hybrid approach that combines manned and unmanned systems for naval operations. This strategy enables us to leverage the strengths of both types of platforms, optimizing operational flexibility and effectiveness. By integrating unmanned technologies with traditional manned systems, what I have observed is that operational gaps have been duly addressed, especially with regards to surveillance while substantially cutting repair/ maintenance and operating costs.

The introduction of the P-282 supersonic anti-ship missile into Pakistan Navy is a significant step forward in our efforts to enhance our maritime strike capabilities. However, we are fully aware that the threat landscape is continuously evolving, with hypersonic and anti-ship ballistic missiles becoming an emerging reality in naval warfare. Our R&D is progressing well into finding solutions to these and emerging threats and very soon we shall have reasonable response. We are also exploring partnerships and technology transfers with allied nations to develop cost-effective solutions that can meet our specific needs.

China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a Flagship Project of BRI, would contribute significantly towards economic prosperity for all the stakeholders. CPEC is a manifestation of strong and fortifying ties between China and Pakistan that will play a key in the economic uplift and betterment of the entire region.

PN is taking all possible measures to ensure protection of Gwadar Port and its seaward approaches through sustained presence in and around the adjoining waters off Gwadar. In addition, coastal areas and particularly Gwadar Port and its approaches are regularly monitored to snub illicit activities through effective functioning of Coastal Security & Harbour Defence Force (CS&HDF) and Task Force-88, raised to provide seaward security to CPEC, Gwadar port and its approaches.

An important cardinal of my vision is well motivated and trained HR that is future ready. The evolution of modern warfare has transformed global navies into technologically intensive forces requiring qualified HR. I consider it as the fulcrum of fighting efficiency.

I believe that no matter how much automation we might achieve and how effective Al may become, the role of humans would remain indispensable in preparing for and fighting the wars, now and in future. I envision my future war fighters to be tech savvy, yet retaining conscious awareness to exercise human intervention where deemed imperative, imbued with high professional competence, ready to undertake multi- domain operations and configured to fight and win wars in all spectrums of conflict.

We have aligned our military education with ‘outcome-based learning’. This means that whatever we do in the class or in a practical drill, we enable our crew to focus on applied education and not just theory alone.