Pakistan Navy on Saturday successfully test-fired several surface-to air-missiles during its ongoing naval exercises in the Arabian Sea, a navy statement said. A spokesman of the Pakistan Navy said that the successful tests were carried off the Makran Coast in Balochistan province during the ongoing exercises which are named Sea Spark.

 “All the targets were precisely hit by the missiles fired during the tests,” the spokesman said. During the tests Admiral Asif Sandaila, chief of Pakistan Navy was also present. Admiral Sandaila said that the successful tests would strengthen Pakistan’s missile operating capacity in land and aerial defence.

The successful testing of missiles has also increased the operational capacity of Pakistan Navy, he said. The naval chief said that Pakistan Navy was fully aware of its responsibilities for defending the naval territories of the country.

The admiral also urged the naval force to make optimum use of the resources, the nation was allocating to them by deferring their pressing economic needs. The naval chief also visited the Jinnah Naval Base at Ormara to see the harbour defence exercises. He appreciated the spirit of the naval and other personnel engaged in the exercises.

The Pakistan Navy has started the its annual Maritime Exercise SEASPARK-12 in the North Arabian Sea as part of its operational exercise calendar to improve its operational readiness.

Pakistan navy's warships, Submarines, Maritime Aircrafts, Marines, Members of the Naval Special  Operation Forces will participate in the exercise to cover the entire gamut of Naval Operations.

Opening Brief of the Maritime Exercise SEASPARK-12 earlier today at Pakistan Naval Dockyard and it was attended by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Mohammad Asif Sandila. Force Commanders.

Pakistan today conducted a successful test fire of the indigenously developed multi tube Cruise Missile Hatf-VII (Babur), having a range of 700 kilometers. Babur Crusie Missile is a low flying, terrain hugging missile, which can strike targets both at Land and Sea with pin point accuracy. It carries stealth features.

The  Multi Tube Cruise Missile Hatf-VII (Babur) has the added capability of real time remote monitoring of a missile's flight path.

Equipped with modern cruise missile technology of Terrain Contour Matching (TERCOM) and Digital Scene Matching and Area Co-relation (DSMAC), it can carry both nuclear and conventional warheads. The missile was launched from a state of the art Multi Tube Missile Launch Vehicle (MLV), which significantly enhances the targeting and deployment options of Babur Weapon system.

The Strategic Command and Control Support System provides decision-makers at the National Command Centre "robust command and control capability of all strategic assets with round the clock situational awareness in a digitised network-centric environment."

The test was witnessed by Director General Strategic Plans Division Lieutunent General (R) Khalid Ahmed Kidwai, Chairman National Engineering and Scientific Commission (NESCOM) Mr. Muhammad Irfan Burney, senior officers from the armed forces and strategic organizations. In today’s test National Command Authority’s fully automated Strategic Command and Control Support System (SCCSS) was once again employed.

It enables robust Command and Control capability of all strategic assets with round the clock situational awareness in a digitized network centric environment to decision makers at National Command Centre (NCC). The system has the added capability of real time remote monitoring of missile flight path. The test consolidates and strengthens Pakistan’s deterrence capability and National security.

The successful test has also been warmly appreciated by the President, Prime Minister of Pakistan and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, who have congratulated the scientists and engineers on their outstanding success.

Pakistan Air Force (PAF) held an art exhibition of aviation paintings and aircraft models at the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA). 

 Senate Chairman Nayyer Bokhari was the chief guest at the opening ceremony. Upon his arrival, he was received by Acting Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Farhat Hussain. It is pertinent to mention that the ‘PAF’s Proud Heritage Through Art’ exhibition by renowned aviation artist Group Captain (r) Masood Hussaini was held in connection with Defence Day celebrations. 

The Senate chairman appreciated the theme and purpose of the exhibition and said it was “an excellent way to transfer our proud heritage to next generations through historical paintings”. He said, “The whole nation acknowledges the sacrifices rendered by the martyrs of 1965 and 1971 (wars) as well as those who laid down their lives in the war on terror.

 The whole nation stands behind them in testing times whether in past, present or future.” He also lauded the efforts of the PAF in holding such an exhibition and depicting the historical development of the Pakistan Air Force over the years, particularly their prominent and admirable role in the 1965 war for safeguarding their motherland. Later, Nayyer Bokhari was presented a painting of Group Captain (r) Masood Hussaini by Air Marshal Farhat Hussain.

 A large number of PAF veterans, retired and serving PAF officers and people from different walks of life were also present on the occasion. The exhibition will remain open for the general public until September 16. online

Pakistan Navy inducted another P3C Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft in its Aviation Fleet, received from USA under Security Assistance Programme. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral M. Asif Sandila was the Chief Guest on the occasion. 

P3C Aircraft, being a potent air platform, will assist in maintaining protracted vigil over sea to meet legitimate defence needs while safeguarding maritime interests of Pakistan. Capacity building of PN is essential to ensure security in North Arabian Sea and keep sea routes safe for maritime community. During the induction ceremony, Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral M. Asif Sandila praised the efforts undertaken in enhancing of PN’s capabilities and operational readiness. 

Emphasizing the importance of North Arabian Sea & capacity building of PN which is essential to ensure security in North Arabian Sea and keep sea routes safe for maritime community, He reiterated PN’s resolve to remain part of multi-national force present in North Arabian Sea and off Somali coast.

 He added that despite resource constraints, PN ships, aircrafts and personnel are regularly tasked as part of ongoing efforts by global community. The Chief of the Naval Staff urged the Fleet to ensure smooth integration and full operationalisation of the aircraft in an early time frame. The Induction ceremony was also attended by PN and US officials

Image Courtesy of PAFFALCONS