The Pakistan Navy on Saturday carried out a series of live operational tests in the North Arabian Sea, including the firing of a long-range surface-to-air missile and the sea trials of an unmanned vessel, underscoring the force’s expanding air defence and maritime surveillance capabilities.
According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the naval exercise featured the launch of the LY-80(N) surface-to-air missile from a ship-based vertical launching system. The missile successfully intercepted and destroyed an aerial target at extended range, confirming the effectiveness of the Navy’s modern air defence network.
Naval commanders observed the exercise at sea, where additional trials included the use of a loitering munition system against surface targets. The munition struck and neutralized its designated target, demonstrating the Navy’s growing precision-strike capability in maritime operations.
Alongside missile tests, the Navy conducted open-water trials of an Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV). The platform displayed high-speed performance, sharp maneuverability and accurate navigation in challenging sea conditions. Officials said the trials confirmed the vessel’s operational reliability and its potential role in surveillance, interception and risk-reduction missions.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, praised the officers and sailors involved in the exercise, commending their professionalism and technical proficiency. He reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to maintaining maritime security and protecting Pakistan’s sea-borne interests.
The latest exercise follows a series of recent defence tests by Pakistan’s armed forces, including the flight test of the indigenously developed Taimoor weapon system by the Pakistan Air Force earlier this month and a ship-launched missile trial by the Navy in November last year.
Defence officials said the latest drills reflect Pakistan’s continued focus on integrating advanced technology and unmanned systems into its military operations amid evolving regional and global security dynamics.
