Pakistan Navy Proves Fearsome In North Arabian Sea Exercise

The Pakistan Navy recently conducted a comprehensive exercise in the North Arabian Sea, demonstrating its operational readiness and combat capabilities. The exercise took place on January 10, 2026, and included live firings of LY-80 (N) surface-to-air missiles and loitering munitions, alongside sea trials of an indigenously developed unmanned surface vehicle.

The LY-80 (N) Surface to Air Missile (SAM), which has a maximum engagement range of approximately 40 kilometers and an effective interception altitude of up to 18 kilometers, successfully engaged and neutralized an aerial target during the exercise. The missile’s long-range capabilities were validated through its successful engagement of the aerial target.

In addition to the LY-80 (N) SAM, the Pakistan Navy also conducted open-sea trials of a loitering munition. Developed by Pakistani startup Sysverve Aerospace, this system is a long-range variant of the Mudmair system featuring a canard configuration. The loitering munition successfully engaged and destroyed surface targets during the exercise, demonstrating its effectiveness in modern naval warfare.

The Pakistan Navy also conducted successful sea trials of an indigenously developed unmanned surface vehicle (USV). Developed by the Naval Research & Development Institute (NRDI), the USV is a 8-10 meter-long surface craft converted for remote control and powered by two outboard engines. Fitted with a forward-mounted electro-optical sensor, the USV could be employed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) purposes.

The use of an unmanned surface vehicle in naval warfare represents a significant leap forward in autonomous naval technology. The USV offers a low-risk, high-impact solution with the stealth of a tactical interceptor, making it an attractive option for modern naval warfare.

Commander Pakistan Fleet, Vice Admiral Abdul Munib, witnessed the exercise and was impressed by the Pakistan Navy’s ability to employ advanced systems. “The exercise showcased the operational readiness and combat capabilities of the Pakistan Navy,” he said. “I am pleased to see the efforts made by our officers and men to ensure seaward defence of Pakistan and safeguard national maritime interests.”

Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, also commended the officers and men of the Pakistan Navy for their professionalism and operational competence. “Pakistan Navy’s resolve to ensure seaward defence of Pakistan and safeguard national maritime interests remains unwavering,” he said. “We will continue to invest in our military capabilities to ensure the country’s security and stability.”

The exercise marked a significant milestone in the Pakistan Navy’s efforts to modernize its military capabilities, showcasing its ability to employ advanced systems such as LY-80 (N) SAM, loitering munition, and unmanned surface vehicle. The development and employment of these systems have been made possible by the country’s robust research and development institutions.

Pakistan’s military modernization efforts have been driven by a desire to ensure the country’s security and stability in an increasingly complex and competitive regional environment. The Pakistan Navy’s ability to employ advanced systems demonstrates its commitment to this goal.

The exercise highlights the importance of indigenous military capabilities in Pakistan’s defence strategy. The development and employment of LY-80 (N) SAM, loitering munition, and unmanned surface vehicle have been made possible by the country’s robust research and development institutions, including the Naval Research & Development Institute (NRDI).

Pakistan’s naval capabilities have significant implications for regional security, particularly in light of its maritime borders with India. The Pakistan Navy’s ability to employ advanced systems such as LY-80 (N) SAM and loitering munition demonstrates its capacity to deter potential threats.

The exercise also underscores the importance of interoperability between different branches of the Pakistani military. The successful coordination of forces during the exercise highlights the need for seamless communication and cooperation between naval, air, and land forces in times of crisis.

In conclusion, the Pakistan Navy’s recent exercise in the North Arabian Sea demonstrated its operational readiness and combat capabilities. The successful live firings of LY-80 (N) SAM and loitering munitions, alongside sea trials of an indigenously developed unmanned surface vehicle, showcased the Pakistan Navy’s ability to employ advanced systems.