Pakistan Navy Conducts Successful Live Firing of Surface-to-Air Missile in Arabian Sea

The Pakistan Navy has conducted a live weapon firing exercise in the North Arabian Sea, reinforcing its operational preparedness and combat readiness in a dynamic maritime environment. The exercise was carried out as part of routine operational training to validate the Navy’s air defence capabilities.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the live firing involved a Pakistan Navy ship successfully engaging highly maneuverable aerial targets. The targets were neutralised using the FM-90(N) ER surface-to-air missile system, demonstrating the effectiveness and precision of the platform.

The exercise was designed to simulate real-world combat conditions, allowing naval personnel to test response times, coordination, and system integration under realistic operational stress. Such drills are considered critical for maintaining readiness against evolving aerial threats in the region.

The FM-90(N) ER missile system is a modern short-to-medium range air defence weapon designed to counter aircraft, helicopters, drones, and other airborne threats. Its successful deployment during the exercise highlighted the Pakistan Navy’s ability to protect naval assets against sophisticated aerial challenges.

ISPR stated that the primary objective of the exercise was to validate the Navy’s layered air defence framework and enhance confidence in its combat systems. The successful interception of fast-moving aerial targets reflected a high level of training and technical proficiency among naval crews.

The live firing comes at a time when maritime security dynamics in the region continue to evolve. The North Arabian Sea remains a strategically important area for international trade and regional stability, making continuous naval preparedness a key priority for Pakistan.

Defence analysts note that regular live weapon exercises serve not only as training events but also as deterrence signals, showcasing a navy’s capability to respond effectively to potential threats. Such demonstrations reinforce Pakistan Navy’s role in safeguarding sea lines of communication and national maritime interests.

The exercise also underscores Pakistan Navy’s focus on indigenization, modernization, and integration of advanced weapon systems. Over the years, the Navy has expanded its operational scope to address conventional and non-conventional threats, including aerial surveillance challenges and unmanned platforms.

Senior officials observing the exercise reportedly expressed satisfaction over the accuracy and execution of the firing sequence. The performance of the ship’s crew and the missile system met all operational parameters set for the drill.

ISPR emphasized that the Pakistan Navy remains committed to maintaining a high state of readiness and continues to conduct complex training exercises to ensure credible defence capabilities. These efforts align with the Navy’s broader mission to contribute to regional peace, stability, and maritime security.

The successful live firing of the surface-to-air missile reaffirms Pakistan Navy’s operational competence and its ability to respond swiftly to aerial threats in contested maritime environments. It also reflects the Navy’s ongoing investment in training, technology, and preparedness to meet future security challenges.