Web Desk

ISLAMABAD: Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf paid an official visit to Malaysia and held meetings with the leadership of the Royal Malaysian Navy to strengthen bilateral naval cooperation, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Sunday.&nbsp;Upon arrival at the Royal Malaysian Navy Headquarters, Admiral Naveed Ashraf was received by Admiral Tan Sri (Dr.) Zulhelmy bin Ithnain, Chief of the Royal Malaysian Navy, and was accorded a guard of honour.&nbsp;During the meetings, both sides discussed aligning strategic perspectives and enhancing <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-navy-showcases-modern-warfare-capabilities-in-north-arabian-sea" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">cooperation in operational matters</a>, capacity building, and coordinated responses to maritime security challenges.&nbsp;Admiral Naveed Ashraf highlighted the Pakistan Navy&rsquo;s role in promoting regional stability, particularly through its Regional Maritime Security Patrols (RMSP) and participation in the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).&nbsp;As part of the visit, the naval chief also toured Malaysia&rsquo;s National Hydrographic Centre, where discussions focused on strengthening collaboration with Pakistan&rsquo;s National Hydrographic Office in areas such as training, data sharing, and professional engagement.&nbsp;According to ISPR, the visit reaffirmed the longstanding Pakistan-Malaysia naval partnership and underscored the shared commitment to expanding future-oriented maritime cooperation.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf meets Royal Malaysian Navy leadership during his official visit to Malaysia on February 8, 2026. (Photo: ISPR)

Security

Chief of the Royal Malaysian Navy, Admiral Tan Sri (Dr.) Zulhelmy bin Ithnain receives Admiral Naveed Ashraf.

Pakistan Navy chief visits Malaysia, discusses maritime cooperation

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Navy has assumed command of Combined Task Force-150 (CTF-150) for the 14th time, according to a post on X shared on Thursday by the Director General Public Relations of the Pakistan Navy. The post stated that the change-of-command ceremony was held at the headquarters of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) in Bahrain.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 648px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2016796036925423781&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=a64b53aba381a2c67feb26af5b8ce9d802527df9&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>Commodore Muhammad Yasir Tahir took over&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/90-midshipmen-34-cadets-graduate-from-pakistan-naval-academy" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">command</a>&nbsp;of CTF-150 from Commodore Fahad S Al Jowaid of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces. Deterring illicit traffickingThe statement reaffirmed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-navy-showcases-modern-warfare-capabilities-in-north-arabian-sea" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">Pakistan Navy&rsquo;s</a>&nbsp;enduring commitment to regional maritime security. CTF-150 operates under CMF and is tasked with deterring <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-navy-conducts-firing-of-surfacetoair-missile-at-sea" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">illicit trafficking across</a>&nbsp;the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Oman. According to the post, the ceremony was attended by senior naval leadership and diplomats.

Commodore Muhammad Yasir Tahir takes over command of CTF-150 from Commodore Fahad S Al Jowaid of Royal Saudi Naval Forces; CTF-150 is tasked with deterring illicit trafficking across Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and Gulf of Oman.

Pakistan Navy assumes command of Combined Task Force-150

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy demonstrated its operational readiness and combat preparedness through a comprehensive exercise in the North Arabian Sea, showcasing both conventional and unmanned capabilities, as per the dictates of evolving naval warfare. A press release issued by Pakistan military&rsquo;s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Saturday, stated: The exercise included the successful live firing of LY-80(N) Surface to Air Missile (SAM) from Vertical Launching System at extended range, validating the long-range capabilities of Pakistan Navy&#39;s modern air defense systems. Loitering munition&nbsp;The statement said that &ldquo;LY-80(N) SAM successfully engaged and neutralized an aerial target, demonstrating Pakistan Navy&#39;s robust air defense capabilities.&rdquo; &ldquo;The exercise also featured the successful engagement of surface targets using Loitering Munition (LM), demonstrating Pakistan Navy&#39;s precision strike capabilities.&rdquo;<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-1" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 624px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-1&features=eyJ0ZndfdGltZWxpbmVfbGlzdCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOltdLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X2ZvbGxvd2VyX2NvdW50X3N1bnNldCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOnRydWUsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdHdlZXRfZWRpdF9iYWNrZW5kIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9uIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19yZWZzcmNfc2Vzc2lvbiI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfZm9zbnJfc29mdF9pbnRlcnZlbnRpb25zX2VuYWJsZWQiOnsiYnVja2V0Ijoib24iLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X21peGVkX21lZGlhXzE1ODk3Ijp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6InRyZWF0bWVudCIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfZXhwZXJpbWVudHNfY29va2llX2V4cGlyYXRpb24iOnsiYnVja2V0IjoxMjA5NjAwLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X3Nob3dfYmlyZHdhdGNoX3Bpdm90c19lbmFibGVkIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9uIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19kdXBsaWNhdGVfc2NyaWJlc190b19zZXR0aW5ncyI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdXNlX3Byb2ZpbGVfaW1hZ2Vfc2hhcGVfZW5hYmxlZCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdmlkZW9faGxzX2R5bmFtaWNfbWFuaWZlc3RzXzE1MDgyIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6InRydWVfYml0cmF0ZSIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfbGVnYWN5X3RpbWVsaW5lX3N1bnNldCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOnRydWUsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdHdlZXRfZWRpdF9mcm9udGVuZCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9fQ%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2009930694253052185&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Fsections%2F&sessionId=0dfc7bbdac468c5b6e22137503d5558da1ddc4b8&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" data-tweet-id="2009930694253052185"></iframe></div></div>Loitering Munition (LM) successfully engaged and destroyed surface targets, showcasing its effectiveness in modern naval warfare, it said. Autonomous naval technologyThe press release said successful open-sea trials of Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) were also conducted, marking a significant leap in autonomous naval technology. &ldquo;The trials validated the platform&rsquo;s ability to combine high-speed performance with mission-critical durability,&rdquo; the ISPR&rsquo;s statement said.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-2" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 1056px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-2&features=eyJ0ZndfdGltZWxpbmVfbGlzdCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOltdLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X2ZvbGxvd2VyX2NvdW50X3N1bnNldCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOnRydWUsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdHdlZXRfZWRpdF9iYWNrZW5kIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9uIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19yZWZzcmNfc2Vzc2lvbiI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfZm9zbnJfc29mdF9pbnRlcnZlbnRpb25zX2VuYWJsZWQiOnsiYnVja2V0Ijoib24iLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X21peGVkX21lZGlhXzE1ODk3Ijp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6InRyZWF0bWVudCIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfZXhwZXJpbWVudHNfY29va2llX2V4cGlyYXRpb24iOnsiYnVja2V0IjoxMjA5NjAwLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X3Nob3dfYmlyZHdhdGNoX3Bpdm90c19lbmFibGVkIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9uIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19kdXBsaWNhdGVfc2NyaWJlc190b19zZXR0aW5ncyI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdXNlX3Byb2ZpbGVfaW1hZ2Vfc2hhcGVfZW5hYmxlZCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdmlkZW9faGxzX2R5bmFtaWNfbWFuaWZlc3RzXzE1MDgyIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6InRydWVfYml0cmF0ZSIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfbGVnYWN5X3RpbWVsaW5lX3N1bnNldCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOnRydWUsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdHdlZXRfZWRpdF9mcm9udGVuZCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9fQ%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2009930696912187840&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Fsections%2F&sessionId=0dfc7bbdac468c5b6e22137503d5558da1ddc4b8&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" data-tweet-id="2009930696912187840"></iframe></div></div>Key capabilities demonstrated include extreme maneuverability, precision navigation, and weather resilience, it added. The statement further said, &ldquo;USV offers a low-risk, high-impact solution with the stealth of a tactical interceptor.&rdquo; Safeguarding maritime interests &nbsp;Commander Pakistan Fleet witnessed the exercise, which showcased Pakistan Navy&#39;s ability to employ advanced systems. Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of the Naval Staff, commended officers and men of the Pakistan Navy for their professionalism and operational competence. He reaffirmed Pakistan Navy&#39;s resolve to ensure seaward defense of Pakistan and safeguard national maritime interests under all circumstances.

Demonstrates its combat readiness in the North Arabian Sea through a comprehensive exercise featuring live missile firing, precision strikes, and advanced unmanned systems, underscoring its evolving operational capabilities.

Pakistan Navy showcases modern warfare capabilities in North Arabian Sea

ISLAMABAD: Commander of the Royal Bahrain Naval Force, Rear Admiral Ahmed Mohamed Ebrahim Al Bin Ali, paid an official visit to Naval Headquarters in Islamabad, where he met Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Admiral Naveed Ashraf, NI, NI (M) on Tuesday, the military&rsquo;s media wing said.&nbsp;Upon his arrival, the visiting dignitary was warmly received by Pakistan&#39;s naval chief. A smartly turned-out contingent of the Pakistan Navy presented a Guard of Honor in his honor, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).&nbsp;Rear Admiral Ahmed Mohamed Ebrahim Al Bin Ali later laid a floral wreath at the Shuhada Monument to pay tribute to the martyrs of the Pakistan Navy.&nbsp;During the meeting, both sides held detailed discussions on matters of mutual interest, including regional maritime security and prospects for enhanced bilateral naval cooperation.&nbsp;The two naval chiefs reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening professional engagement and defense collaboration between the Pakistan Navy and the Royal Bahrain Naval Force.&nbsp;The visit reflects the longstanding, cordial relations between Pakistan and Bahrain and underscores the shared resolve of both countries to promote peace, security, and stability in the region.

Bahrain naval chief meets Pakistani counterpart

Two naval chiefs reaffirm their commitment to strengthening professional ties and expanding defence cooperation between the Pakistan Navy and the Royal Bahrain Naval Force.


Bahrain naval chief visits Naval Headquarters, calls on Pakistani counterpart

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Wednesday launched its fourth Hangor-class submarine, &ldquo;Ghazi,&rdquo; at the Shuangliu Base in China&rsquo;s Wuhan, the official statement said, marking another milestone in the Pakistan Navy&rsquo;s submarine modernization program.&nbsp;In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the launch reflects steady progress on the bilateral submarine project between Pakistan and China.&nbsp;&ldquo;The Pakistan Navy has achieved a major milestone as all four submarines being constructed in China are now undergoing rigorous sea trials and are in the final stages of handover to Pakistan,&rdquo; the ISPR said.&nbsp;The military&rsquo;s media wing said the submarine program is being executed under an agreement signed between the governments of Pakistan and China for the acquisition of eight Hangor-class submarines.&nbsp;&ldquo;Under this contract, four submarines are being built in China, while the remaining four will be constructed in Pakistan by Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works Limited under Transfer of Technology,&rdquo; the statement added.&nbsp;According to the ISPR, the Hangor-class submarines will be equipped with advanced weapons and sensors, enabling them to engage targets from standoff ranges.&nbsp;It said submarines would play a &ldquo;key role in maintaining peace and stability in the region.&rdquo;&nbsp;Senior officials from Pakistan and China attended the launching ceremony, underscoring the &ldquo;deepening bilateral cooperation&rdquo; between the two countries in the defense sector.&nbsp;The Hangor-class project is a central component of the Pakistan Navy&rsquo;s efforts to enhance its undersea warfare capabilities and strengthen maritime security.

Pakistan Navy’s fourth Hangor-class submarine, Ghazi, launched in China, all four China-built vessels undergo sea trials, while remaining submarines will be locally built under technology transfer agreement.

Pakistan launches fourth Hangor-class submarine ‘Ghazi’ at China shipyard naval

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy on Monday successfully conducted a live weapon firing of the FM-90(N) extended range surface-to-air missile in the North Arabian Sea, reaffirming its operational readiness and combat capability.&nbsp;According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of Pakistani military, the firing was carried out from a Pakistan Navy ship, which effectively engaged highly maneuverable aerial targets during the exercise.&nbsp;The live firing demonstration was witnessed by Commander Pakistan Fleet, who observed the engagement at sea onboard a Pakistan Navy Fleet unit.&nbsp;Commander Pakistan Fleet lauded the officers and men of the Navy for their high level of professionalism, dedication, and operational competence demonstrated during the exercise.&nbsp;He reiterated Pakistan Navy&rsquo;s firm resolve to ensure the seaward defense of Pakistan and to safeguard the country&rsquo;s maritime interests under all circumstances.&nbsp;The successful firing reflects Pakistan Navy&rsquo;s continued efforts to enhance its war-fighting capabilities and maintain a credible deterrence in the maritime domain.

Commander Pakistan Fleet lauds the officers and men of the Navy for their high level of professionalism, dedication, and operational competence demonstrated during the exercise.


Pakistan Navy conducts firing of surface-to-air missile at sea

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf has said that collaboration with Ankara has &ldquo;significantly strengthened&rdquo; Islamabad&rsquo;s local industrial base. He said this in an exclusive interview with T&uuml;rkiye&rsquo;s state-run Anadolu News Agency, shared by Pakistan Navy&rsquo;s Director General Public Relations (DGPR), on its X account on Friday.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1991811110492860872&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Fsections%2F&sessionId=f8c66d1472d8d7ae95e659d14ebd8380300e9c36&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 897px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>Admiral Ashraf said Pakistan&rsquo;s fast-growing defense partnership with T&uuml;rkiye has become one of the region&rsquo;s most prominent examples of successful technology transfer. He said cooperation between the two countries has already &ldquo;significantly strengthened&rdquo; Islamabad&rsquo;s domestic industrial capacity. The chief said the collaboration, especially in naval shipbuilding, demonstrates how shared ambitions for self-reliance can translate into concrete industrial gains. &lsquo;Success story&rsquo;&nbsp;At the center of this &ldquo;success story,&rdquo; he noted, is the joint production of MILGEM-class corvettes, one of Pakistan&rsquo;s largest defense projects involving a foreign partner. MILGEM is&nbsp;Turkey&#39;s indigenous national warship building program. Admiral Ashraf described the program as a &ldquo;living example of this cooperation.&rdquo; Under a 2018 agreement, Pakistan acquired four MILGEM corvettes from T&uuml;rkiye&rsquo;s state-owned defense company, ASFAT: two built in T&uuml;rkiye and two constructed at Karachi Shipyard &amp; Engineering Works, a model designed to transfer design, engineering, and project management expertise to Pakistan. Calling the initiative a &ldquo;hallmark of Pakistan-T&uuml;rkiye defense collaboration and technology sharing,&rdquo; Admiral Ashraf said the program has &ldquo;significantly strengthened&rdquo; Pakistan&rsquo;s local industrial base, &ldquo;paving the way for future self-reliance in naval shipbuilding.&rdquo; &lsquo;Practical and mutually beneficial&rsquo;With the experience gained, he added, Islamabad and Ankara can &ldquo;build on this success to explore joint development of unmanned maritime systems, underwater technologies, and advanced sensors.&rdquo; T&uuml;rkiye and Pakistan&rsquo;s &ldquo;shared commitment to self-reliance and innovation&rdquo; makes such partnerships &ldquo;practical and mutually beneficial,&rdquo; he said. Admiral Ashraf also emphasized that cooperation is not only technical but strategic, noting that maritime security in the current geopolitical environment requires &ldquo;cooperation against shared challenges.&rdquo; &lsquo;Common goals&rsquo;&ldquo;We view T&uuml;rkiye&rsquo;s engagement in the region as complementary to our vision of a secure maritime environment for economic prosperity,&rdquo; he said, referring to Ankara&rsquo;s expanding naval influence in the Indian Ocean and East Africa. &ldquo;Both navies share common goals viz-a-viz regional stability, maritime connectivity and cooperative security; our regular interactions strengthen these shared objectives,&rdquo; he added. Pakistan&rsquo;s navy, Admiral Ashraf said, plays &ldquo;a key role in ensuring regional maritime security and safeguarding the maritime domain connected with CPEC,&rdquo; the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Conference to &lsquo;rejuvenate&rsquo; maritime economyAdmiral Ashraf also highlighted Pakistan&rsquo;s efforts to revive its blue economy, an area where he said Islamabad and Ankara &ldquo;share a strong and enduring partnership.&rdquo; Speaking about the second edition of the Pakistan International Maritime Expo and Conference (PIMEC), held earlier this month in Karachi, he said the event aimed to &ldquo;rejuvenate&rdquo; maritime economic activities and showcase the country&rsquo;s broader &ldquo;maritime potential.&rdquo; Beyond shipbuilding, the navy chief noted that Pakistan is &ldquo;progressively incorporating&rdquo; emerging domains such as information dominance and cyber resilience into its training, doctrines, and joint exercises. &ldquo;Collaboration with friendly navies like T&uuml;rkiye helps both sides build skills in network-centric warfare, electronic warfare operations and modern concepts, ensuring preparedness against evolving threats,&rdquo; he said.

Says Türkiye and Pakistan’s ‘shared commitment to self-reliance and innovation’ makes such partnerships ‘mutually beneficial’; Islamabad and Ankara can ‘build on this success to explore joint development of unmanned maritime systems, underwater technologies and advanced sensors.’ 

Ankara collaboration has ‘strengthened’ Islamabad’s industrial base: Pakistan Navy chief

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, concluded a visit to Bangladesh marked by high-level military meetings and PNS SAIF&rsquo;s port call, underscoring commitments to strengthened naval cooperation and regional maritime security. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf concluded his official visit to Bangladesh, held alongside PNS SAIF&rsquo;s port call at Chattogram, said a post shared by Pakistan Navy&rsquo;s Director General Public Relations (DGPR) on Thursday. Admiral Ashraf met with senior military leadership to discuss regional maritime security and defense cooperation.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; line-height: 2;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-11" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 624px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-11&features=e30%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1988909311355941298&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Fsections%2F&sessionId=2954a4a21b0fadab7e4ba8560b95b6f785ea5458&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px">&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>Pakistan&rsquo;s defense ties with Bangladesh have seen steady progress since the ouster of former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina, bringing an end to Indian influence in Dhaka. During the visit, Admiral Ashraf called on COAS Gen Waker-Uz-Zaman, CNS Adm M Nazmul Hassan, CAS ACM Hasan Mahmood Khan, and PSO Lt Gen S.M. Kamrul Hassan of Bangladesh. He also visited the National Defence College and the Bangladesh Naval Academy, emphasizing professional excellence, joint training, and advancing naval collaboration. At a reception onboard PNS SAIF, Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Pakistan&rsquo;s High Commissioner Imran Haider welcomed CNS Bangladesh, diplomats, scholars, media, and the business community. The visit reaffirmed Pakistan&rsquo;s commitment to stronger naval ties and regional maritime stability, according to the DGPR. Stability in Indian Ocean&nbsp;According to an earlier post on X by Pakistan Navy&rsquo;s DGPR, &ldquo;Pakistan and Bangladesh Naval Chiefs reaffirm enduring cooperation and joint commitment to peace and stability in the Indian Ocean.&rdquo;<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; line-height: 2;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-12" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 719px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-12&features=e30%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1987516345513296120&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Fsections%2F&sessionId=2954a4a21b0fadab7e4ba8560b95b6f785ea5458&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px">&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>

Pakistan Navy Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf concluded his official visit to Bangladesh, held alongside PNS SAIF’s port call at Chattogram; Admiral Ashraf met senior military leadership to discuss regional maritime security and defense cooperation. 

Pakistan, Bangladesh navies reaffirm defense cooperation during Admiral Ashraf’s visit

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy is fully prepared to respond to any challenge in regional waters, Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Raja Rab Nawaz said Tuesday, emphasizing the force&rsquo;s constant vigilance amid reports of a tri-services exercise by India in the Arabian Sea. Speaking to local media during the Pakistan International Maritime Expo and Conference 2025 at the Expo Centre, Nawaz said the Navy continuously monitors developments in the region to ensure readiness against any potential threat. &ldquo;We are always keeping an eye on whatever is happening around us. We are always monitoring what is happening. This is an ongoing thing &mdash; our monitoring and our readiness,&rdquo; Nawaz said. He said that Pakistan would soon induct new submarines into its fleet, a move aimed at bolstering national and maritime security. &ldquo;Pakistan Navy&rsquo;s role in the region is to ensure maritime security and the free flow of trade. The new submarines will significantly contribute to that in the coming days,&rdquo; the naval chief said. Nawaz&rsquo;s remarks come amid heightened naval activity in the Arabian Sea, where Indian tri-services forces are conducting large-scale maritime exercises. Last week, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, while chairing the Command and Staff Conference of the Pakistan Navy at Naval Headquarters in Islamabad, underscored the importance of maintaining constant combat readiness to counter evolving maritime challenges. The staff conference reviewed the Pakistan Navy&#39;s operational preparedness. It examined progress on ongoing initiatives, including the Pakistan International Maritime Expo and Conference, which was described as a leading platform for showcasing the nation&rsquo;s maritime potential and promoting regional cooperation.

Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Raja Rab Nawaz in a group photo with speakers of the 11th International Maritime Conference during PIMEC 2025 at Karachi Expo Centre. (Radio Pakistan)

Pakistan Navy is fully prepared to respond to any challenge in regional waters, says Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Raja Rab Nawaz; emphasizes the constant vigilance of the force amid reports of a tri-services exercise by India in the Arabian Sea.

Pakistan Navy fully prepared to counter regional threats: naval chief

ISLAMABAD: The first batch of Hangor-class submarines under a China-Pakistan cooperation project is expected to enter operational service with the Pakistan Navy in 2026, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, chief of the Naval Staff of the Pakistan Navy, told a Chinese media publication, the Global Times, in an exclusive interview published on Sunday.&nbsp; He stated that the Hangor-class submarine program is progressing smoothly, and that the successful launch of the second and third submarines in China earlier this year marks a major milestone in naval collaboration between China and Pakistan. Advanced submarinesPakistan signed a contract with China to procure eight Hangor-class conventional submarines in 2015, with the first four to be constructed by China and the rest to be assembled by Pakistan, so as to improve Pakistan&#39;s technical capabilities, according to the Chinese publication.&nbsp; According to the plan, Pakistan will acquire eight advanced submarines between 2022 and 2028.&nbsp; The first Hangor-class conventionally powered submarine was launched in China in April 2024, while the second and third vessels were consecutively launched this year. &nbsp; China-Pakistan cooperationAshraf spoke highly of this China-Pakistan cooperation project.&nbsp; He said that the project is not only significant for the advancement of the Pakistan Navy&#39;s submarine force capabilities but will also contribute toward self-reliance through the transfer of technology and skill development at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works.&nbsp; It reflects professionalism and close naval equipment collaboration between China and Pakistan. &nbsp; Besides the submarine project, the Type 054A/P frigates mark another major achievement in China-Pakistan naval equipment cooperation.&nbsp; &lsquo;Most advanced surface combatants&rsquo;This type of multirole frigates is already in service with the Pakistan Navy, with Ashraf saying that they are &quot;among the most advanced surface combatants.&quot; He said that these Chinese-made frigates have greatly strengthened the Pakistan Navy&#39;s multi-mission capability, particularly in air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and maritime surveillance. Critical for global economy&quot;These platforms are playing a key role in ensuring maritime security in the North Arabian Sea and the broader Indian Ocean region, which is critical for global economy,&quot; he said, noting that by securing vital sea lines of communication, including those linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the Pakistan Navy is playing a significant role in sustaining trade, investment and economic activity that benefit not only Pakistan but the entire region. Talking about the performance of Chinese-made equipment, Ashraf said that Chinese-origin platforms and equipment have been reliable, technologically advanced, and well-suited to the &nbsp;Pakistan Navy&#39;s operational requirements.&nbsp; He said that the Pakistan Navy&#39;s experience with them has been very positive, both in terms of performance and technical support. Emerging technologiesAs modern warfare evolves, emerging technologies such as unmanned systems, AI, and advanced electronic warfare systems are becoming increasingly important.&nbsp; The Pakistan Navy is focusing on these technologies and exploring collaboration with China, which has the leading industries in emerging technologies, Ashraf said. In recent years, the navies of China and Pakistan have maintained frequent exchanges and cooperation.&nbsp; The two sides have conducted multiple joint exercises and training activities in China and Pakistan, as well as at high seas.&nbsp; The content covers subjects such as joint counter-terrorism, anti-piracy, maritime replenishment, formation maneuvering, communication liaison, and joint search and rescue.&nbsp; Sea Guardians&nbsp;In particular, the Sea Guardians series of exercises has become an important brand for joint naval exercises between the two countries. Ashraf said that the Sea Guardians series of exercises represents the growing depth and maturity of Pakistan-China naval cooperation.&nbsp; He said that these exercises enhance interoperability, tactical coordination, and professional exchanges between the two navies and help us learn from each other&#39;s experiences in diverse warfare domains, including counter terrorism, anti-piracy, and maritime security operations. &lsquo;Shared resolve&rsquo;&nbsp;&quot;Most importantly, such engagements demonstrate our shared resolve to promote peace, stability, and freedom of navigation in the region,&quot; he said. On the topic of China-Pakistan naval cooperation in the future, Ashraf said that the Pakistan Navy&#39;s partnership with China is built on deep-rooted friendship, mutual respect, trust, and shared strategic interests. &quot;In the coming decade, we expect this relationship to grow stronger, encompassing not only shipbuilding and training, but also enhanced interoperability, research, technology sharing, and industrial collaboration,&quot; he said. &quot;There is immense potential for cooperation in advanced technologies, unmanned systems, marine scientific research, and maritime industry development. Together, we aim to ensure a secure and stable maritime environment that supports regional peace and prosperity,&quot; said the Pakistani admiral. &lsquo;Trusted partner&rsquo;&nbsp;&quot;China has been a trusted partner in the Pakistan Navy&#39;s modernization journey,&quot; Ashraf said.&nbsp; He noted that the introduction of advanced frigates and submarines has significantly enhanced the Pakistan Navy&#39;s operational reach, multi-domain war-fighting capabilities, and deterrence posture.&nbsp; These modern platforms, coupled with joint training and exercises with the PLA Navy, have deepened the two sides&#39; professional synergy and strengthened interoperability at sea, Ashraf said, noting that &quot;this cooperation goes beyond hardware; it reflects a shared strategic outlook, mutual trust, and a long-standing partnership.&quot; International maritime expoFrom Monday to Thursday, the Pakistan Navy is organizing a second edition of Pakistan International Maritime Expo and Conference (PIMEC) in Karachi, Pakistan.&nbsp; The event is being organized with the aim to jump-start the development of Pakistan&#39;s maritime sector and establish a platform to spur the blue economy and provide a platform for government-to-government and business-to-business engagements, according to the Pakistan Navy. Ashraf said that PIMEC is a platform that showcases and leverages the country&#39;s strategic maritime assets, including Gwadar port and the opportunities presented by the CPEC, promoting investment in critical infrastructure to support trade and economic growth.&nbsp; He noted that with PIMEC, the Pakistan Navy aims to promote the blue economy and technological advancements, as well as address emerging maritime threats through international cooperation.

Says the first batch of Hangor-class submarines under a China-Pakistan cooperation project is expected to enter operational service in 2026, adding ‘China has been a trusted partner in the Pakistan Navy's modernization journey’.

Articles tagged with "Pakistan Navy"