The Pakistan Navy has successfully test-fired a surface-to-air missile during a naval exercise in the North Arabian Sea, showcasing both conventional and unmanned capabilities, as per the dictates of evolving naval warfare, a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Saturday.
The exercise was held in the North Arabian Sea — witnessed by Commander Pakistan Fleet — featured the successful live firing of the LY-80(N) surface-to-air missile from a vertical launching system at extended range, validating the long-range capabilities of the Pakistan Navy’s modern air defence systems, the military’s media wing said.
“LY-80(N) SAM successfully engaged and neutralised an aerial target, demonstrating Pakistan Navy’s robust air defence capabilities,” the ISPR added.
It said that the Pakistan Navy also successfully engaged surface targets using Loitering Munition (LM), demonstrating its precision strike capability in contemporary maritime operations.
“The Loitering Munition (LM) successfully engaged and destroyed surface targets, showcasing its effectiveness in modern naval warfare.”
In addition, open-sea trials of an Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) were also conducted, confirming its high-speed performance, extreme manoeuvrability, precision navigation, and resilience in challenging weather conditions, the military’s media wing said.
“The trials validated the platform’s ability to combine high-speed performance with mission-critical durability,” the ISPR said and added, “Key capabilities demonstrated include extreme manoeuvrability, precision navigation, and weather resilience.”
It said that USV offers a low-risk, high-impact solution with the stealth of a tactical interceptor.
Meanwhile, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf lauded the officers and sailors for their professionalism and operational competence. He reaffirmed Pakistan Navy’s commitment to ensuring the seaward defence of Pakistan and safeguarding national maritime interests under all circumstances.
