The Pakistan Navy has launched its major maritime exercise SEASPARK-2026 in Karachi to strengthen operational readiness. The exercise aims to test the Navy’s ability to respond to conventional and emerging maritime threats.
The Chief of the Naval Staff chaired the opening briefing, which senior officers from Pakistan’s armed forces attended. The exercise brings together multiple naval and military capabilities to strengthen coordination across different operational environments.
SEASPARK-2026 Tests Multi-Domain Capabilities
According to the military’s media wing, SEASPARK-2026 involves ships, submarines, aircraft, unmanned systems, marines and special forces. Joint elements from the Pakistan Army and Pakistan Air Force are also participating in the exercise.
The drills will test combat readiness against a broad range of conventional and emerging threats.
Earlier, the Chief of the Naval Staff visited Pakistan Navy Fleet units and reviewed ongoing operations.
During his interaction with officers and personnel, he emphasized the need for constant operational readiness. He also stressed stronger coordination among the three armed forces and greater adaptability.
According to the military, the evolving security environment requires effective responses across both physical and information domains.
The exercise therefore focuses heavily on Multi-Domain Operations, combining maritime, air and land capabilities with cyber and space-enabled systems.
Focus on Information Warfare
SEASPARK-2026 also includes operations in the information environment. The exercise aims to integrate information operations with kinetic activities at sea.
This approach is designed to help Pakistan maintain an advantage in the information battlespace while conducting maritime operations. The integration of different military capabilities is expected to improve coordination and operational effectiveness during complex scenarios.
The exercise also provides an opportunity to evaluate existing strategies and enhance responses to rapidly changing maritime security challenges.
Pakistan Navy Responds to Vessel Distress
Earlier, on May 6, the Pakistan Navy responded to a distress call from MV GAUTAM in the Arabian Sea. The multi-purpose offshore vessel was carrying seven crew members, including six Indian nationals and one Indonesian national.
The vessel developed a serious technical problem while travelling from Oman to India, leaving it stranded at sea.
After receiving the distress alert from the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre Mumbai, the Pakistan Navy coordinated with the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency. The Navy deployed PMSA Ship KASHMIR to assist the vessel and its crew.
The response demonstrated Pakistan’s maritime surveillance and emergency response capabilities in the Arabian Sea.
Overall, SEASPARK-2026 highlights the Pakistan Navy’s focus on strengthening readiness and coordination against evolving maritime security challenges.
