ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s naval capabilities received a significant boost as its Navy inducted a new warship on Saturday, in a bid to modernize its fleet and strengthen combat readiness.
The development comes amid evolving regional security challenges, including the ongoing United States-Israeli war on Iran that has disrupted global energy and cargo supply lines.
Pakistan’s strategic location along vital maritime trade and energy corridors demands a potent naval force to safeguard national interests and ensure secure Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCs), according to Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf.
He emphasized the importance of a strong, balanced and technologically advanced navy during the induction ceremony of the second MILGEM Class Corvette, ‘Khaibar,’ into Pakistan Navy’s fleet.
“Pakistan Navy is being equipped with state of the art platforms and niche technologies enabling it to target critical infrastructure/ vulnerabilities and naval assets of adversary,” he was quoted as saying by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistani military’s media wing.
“Inductions of advanced platforms like PNS Khaibar and the forthcoming HANGOR Class Submarines mark a milestone in PN’s modernization, enhancing operational flexibility, combat power and the strategic reach.”
The naval chief extended his best wishes to Khaibar crew, reaffirming Pakistan Navy’s resolve to defend sovereign seas and uphold its responsibility as guardian of the maritime frontiers.
Last month, Pakistan Navy launched ‘Operation Muhafiz-ul-Bahr’ to safeguard national energy shipments, the Pakistani military said on Monday, amid disruptions to critical sea lanes due to the ongoing Middle East crisis.
“With approximately 90 percent of Pakistan’s trade conducted via sea, the operation aims to ensure that vital sea routes remain safe, secure, and uninterrupted,” the Pakistani military said at the time.
“Pakistan Navy remains fully prepared to respond emerging maritime security challenges and is committed to ensuring the safety of national shipping and regional maritime security.”
