ISLAMABAD: In a striking disclosure that underscores Pakistan’s maritime resolve, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf has revealed that during the 2025 Marka-e-Haq operation the Pakistan Navy was fully positioned to sink an Indian aircraft carrier.
This bold revelation came during the formal induction ceremony of the second PN Milgem-class corvette PNS Khaibar into the fleet.
The naval chief stated that Pakistan Navy assets were poised to deliver a decisive strike forcing the Indian Navy to confine its prized carrier and escorts within perceived safe havens.
Regional media reports including those from Dawn and Geo News corroborate the claim based on official ISPR statements issued on April 4 2026.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had earlier confirmed that the Indian carrier INS Vikrant ventured as close as 400 nautical miles to Pakistani waters before retreating after sensing robust naval preparedness.
INS Vikrant a 45 000-tonne indigenous vessel measuring 262 metres in length and capable of speeds up to 28 knots operates with a full air wing of up to 30 fighter jets including MiG-29K aircraft.
Its defensive systems feature 64 Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles and advanced radar suites yet these proved insufficient to challenge Pakistan’s layered anti-access strategy.
Pakistan Navy meanwhile maintains a fleet of approximately 148 vessels with a strong emphasis on submarines currently numbering around 16 including advanced Agosta-class and forthcoming Hangor-class units.
The Hangor-class diesel-electric submarines each equipped with Babur-3 submarine-launched cruise missiles boasting a 450-kilometre range significantly enhance Pakistan’s second-strike and area-denial capabilities.
During Marka-e-Haq also known as Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos Pakistani naval forces executed precise positioning that neutralised the numerical superiority of the Indian Navy which fields 291 ships including two aircraft carriers and 18 submarines.
Global military assessments rank the Indian Navy seventh worldwide while Pakistan’s navy stands at 26th yet qualitative edges in submarine warfare and hypersonic anti-ship systems tilt the deterrence balance.
Admiral Ashraf emphasised that the mastery of naval operations during the episode delivered an unequivocal message any attempt to challenge Pakistan’s maritime interests would invite an appropriate and swift response.
The induction of PNS Khaibar built under the Pakistan-Türkiye Milgem programme marks a milestone in fleet modernisation featuring advanced sensors stealth capabilities and multi-role combat systems.
This platform alongside upcoming Hangor submarines will further boost operational flexibility and strategic reach across vital sea lines of communication in the Indian Ocean.
Pakistan’s maritime doctrine prioritises cost-effective asymmetric capabilities over large surface fleets focusing on submarines frigates and precision strike assets to counter larger adversaries.
In 2025 the Indian carrier group including INS Vikrant had deployed aggressively in the Arabian Sea prompting Pakistan to activate layered defences that included submarine patrols and shore-based anti-ship missile batteries.
International media outlets have offered limited coverage of these specific naval revelations relying instead on regional Pakistani reports for authentication of the events.
Defence analysts note that Pakistan Navy’s proactive posture prevented escalation while safeguarding national interests without direct kinetic engagement at sea.
The naval chief’s remarks also highlighted ongoing efforts to equip the force with state-of-the-art platforms targeting critical vulnerabilities of potential adversaries.
Such transparency reinforces public confidence in Pakistan’s armed forces and sends a clear deterrent signal across the region.
As geopolitical tensions in the Indian Ocean intensify Pakistan continues to invest in indigenous and collaborative defence projects to maintain a balanced and technologically advanced navy.
The Marka-e-Haq episode stands as a testament to the professionalism and strategic acumen of Pakistan’s naval personnel who upheld sovereignty with precision and restraint.
Future inductions and exercises will further solidify this posture ensuring that any maritime threat is met with overwhelming readiness and resolve.