KARACHI: The Pakistan Navy has launched its major maritime exercise, Sea Spark 2026, in Karachi to assess operational readiness against conventional and emerging maritime threats in an increasingly complex regional security environment.
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf attended the opening briefing as chief guest and said the Navy could not compromise on operational preparedness amid an unstable and evolving regional security landscape.
The exercise will test the Pakistan Navy’s ability to respond to a range of maritime security challenges while strengthening coordination among the country’s armed forces.
Admiral Ashraf also highlighted the growing importance of the information domain in modern warfare and called for stronger joint planning and coordination among the Pakistan Navy, Pakistan Army and Pakistan Air Force.
Warships, submarines and drones join exercise
Pakistan Navy warships, submarines, aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, Marines and Special Operations Forces are participating in Sea Spark 2026.
The Pakistan Army and Pakistan Air Force are also taking part in the exercise, demonstrating joint operational coordination and integrated combat capabilities.
The exercise is designed to evaluate the Navy’s preparedness across multiple areas of maritime warfare, including both traditional threats and newer security challenges.
Naval chief reviews operational activities
During the exercise, Admiral Naveed Ashraf visited Pakistan Navy warships and reviewed ongoing operational activities.
He also met officers and sailors serving with fleet units and assessed their preparedness during the exercise.
According to the Pakistan Navy, Sea Spark 2026 reflects its focus on maintaining operational readiness and strengthening its ability to operate across different domains of maritime warfare.