- By: Asiri Fernando
With the ever changing nature of the security dynamic of the Indian Ocean, the need for regional cooperation and coordination to face common security challenges in the region is becoming imperative. Today, many Navies are in a transformative stage, evolving to meet traditional and an increasing list of non-traditional threats, which require persistence surveillance, flexibility while performing peace time constabulary roles.
In an exclusive interview with The Daily Morning, the Chief of Staff of the Pakistani Navy Admiral Naveed Asharf, discussed regional security challenges which Pakistan is concerned about and how the Indian Ocean neighbour is adapting to face new challenges by modernising its fleet, leveraging unmanned and manned technologies for operations, and improving regional information sharing and training of future sailors.
The following are excerpts from the interview:
- What are the regional maritime security challenges and threats that affect Pakistan?
The global geo-political environment is ambiguous, volatile and is characterised by realignment of interests. Pakistan finds itself in the midst of a complex geo-political and geo-economic competition prevailing in the region. Pakistan’s maritime security is intertwined with the maritime environment in the Indian Ocean, which is rapidly transforming. In our immediate neighborhood, long drawn instability in Afghanistan simmers and continues to impinge upon regional security. On our eastern side, India is disturbing regional peace by blatantly provoking its neighbours’. On our Western flank, Iran’s standoff with the US and Israel may manifest into a precarious situation for the shipping plying along the international Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs).
Ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict with spill over in maritime arena after missile strikes by Houthis on merchant traffic and counter strikes on Yemeni mainland by US-led West has created conditions for enhanced Extra ERF presence in the region. Access to shore-based missiles and remotely operated vehicles to the warring groups is a serious threat to SLOCs transiting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
In non-traditional domain; maritime terrorism, piracy, drug trafficking, gun running and human smuggling are main challenges being faced. Challenge to our regional maritime security is an ominous hybrid mix of traditional and non-traditional threats.
- The Pakistani Navy is undergoing an evolutionary phase. What are the key capabilities, capacities and technology which the PN plans to induct and by when?
Indigenisation and modernisation of the Pakistan Navy is an important cardinal of my vision. Our development strategy is based on ‘progressive capability enhancement’ so as to create a balanced, potent and combat ready force to deal with the evolving threats through acquisition of force multipliers, indigenous and innovative technical solutions.
We have been focusing on induction of modern platforms, force multipliers, indigenisation and maintaining diversified options to mitigate external dependencies. At the same time, we believe in making best use of available resources. Recently, we have inducted Type 054 A/P Frigates from China, OPVs Batch-I and Batch-II from Romania and MILGEM Class Corvette from Turkiye. These platforms with latest weapons and sensors will be a significant addition to PN existing capabilities to effectively deal with today’s complex multi-threat environment. The Pakistan Navy is in process of inducting remaining MILGEM class ships as 2 of these ships are being constructed indigenously at Pakistan.
Based on experience gained during construction of MILGEM Class Ships, Pakistan Navy is planning to build JINNAH Class Frigates (JCF) which will be our first ever indigenously designed and built frigate-sized warship.
- Pakistan has been working with the regional maritime security collective CMF based out of Bahrain. Can you explain in brief how the Pakistan Navy contributes to regional security?
The Pakistan Navy has a long and successful tradition in cooperating with international partners. We believe that the magnitude and diversity of threats and challenges in our region is such that no country has the wherewithal to tackle them alone. Therefore, Collaborative maritime security has become an imperative for ensuring maritime security in the region. Our key principle is to keep the maritime environment safe against non-traditional threats and effectively contribute towards safety and security of vital sea lanes in the Arabian Sea, to our best abilities despite being a moderate Navy.
There is no second opinion on the fact that intensifying naval cooperation with other navies will help ensure maritime security in the Arabian Sea and adjacent regions. PN contributions in CTF-150, CTF-151, conduct of Regional Maritime Security Patrols (RMSPs) and regular participation in bi/ tri-lateral events, exercises like Ex-AMAN, conferences such as AMAN Dialogue, all point in the same direction.
- The wide proliferation and use of unmanned air, surface and submerged systems, loitering munitions in the maritime domain is growing, and posing a new set of unique challenges to conventional navies, and navies of smaller littoral states. What are your thoughts about the threat, and is the PN looking to leverage such technology and unmanned systems as a force multiplier?
PN has made significant strides in developing and inducting unmanned aerial systems in the Navy and also integrating them with the naval operations. We are currently operating a mix bag of tactical to MALE UAVs. These UAVs are primarily employed for surveillance purposes, significantly enhancing our capabilities in maritime domain awareness.
Operationally, we believe in a hybrid approach that combines manned and unmanned systems for naval operations. This strategy enables us to leverage the strengths of both types of platforms, optimising operational flexibility and effectiveness. By integrating unmanned technologies with traditional manned systems, what I have observed is that operational gaps have been duly addressed, especially with regards to surveillance while substantially cutting repair/ maintenance and operating costs.
- With your growing navy, especially with the Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), can we expect an increased presence and commitment to ensuring regional maritime security? What more can be done individually and collectively?
‘Safe seas’ is central to our doctrinal creed, and this principle guides both our operational deployments and our outlook. OPVs being cost-effective platforms will surely provide flexibility to expand the patrolling and surveillance capabilities in our waters and across the region. Notwithstanding, as you know, No Navy alone in the world can undertake security of the high seas, therefore, through regional and ERF maritime cooperation we can undertake this task more effectively. We have also established an information-sharing mechanism through JMICC to synchronise responses against evolving maritime threats to ensure security of the high seas. This underscores our commitment to regional security.
- As a leader of an important institution in Pakistan, how do you inspire and guide the next generation of officers and sailors? What should remain the same? What is the most important thing that molds the sailor of the future?
I firmly believe that training future naval cadets must evolve in line with the rapid technological advancements we are witnessing today. The new generation, referred to as Generation Z, requires a different kind of engagement. They value openness, transparency and truthfulness and they are naturally curious. This generation is unafraid to ask challenging questions and as leaders and trainers, we must be prepared to provide thoughtful, honest answers. This requires a shift in how we approach leadership and mentorship.
The most important factor in molding the ‘sailor of the future’ is their conviction and sense of purpose. Without these, it is nearly impossible to foster the dedication and commitment necessary for effective naval service. A cadet with a clear sense of purpose and belief in the values they uphold will always rise to the challenges of the future, regardless of technological advances.