ISLAMABAD: Amid heightened maritime vigilance in the Indian Ocean region,the Pakistan Navy and Indian Navy have issued separate Notices to Airmenand Mariners (NOTAMs) for live weapon firing and missile exercises in theNorth Arabian Sea. These activities, occurring in close proximity, havedrawn attention from defence observers who see them as demonstrations ofoperational readiness. The notifications come at a time when both countriescontinue to modernise their naval capabilities, underscoring the strategicimportance of the Arabian Sea corridor for national defence. Whileofficials from both sides describe the drills as routine, the timing andgeographical overlap have sparked discussions on potential escalation risksin an already sensitive maritime theatre.
The Pakistan Navy recently activated warnings for live missile and gunneryfiring in designated zones of the North Arabian Sea. According tonavigational alerts disseminated through official hydrographic channels,these exercises involve surface-to-air and possibly other missile systems.Such drills are part of regular training to maintain combat effectivenessand validate weapon platforms. The designated areas are typically far fromcommercial shipping lanes to minimise disruption, yet their announcementnear international boundaries inevitably invites scrutiny from neighbouringstates. Defence analysts note that these activities reaffirm Pakistan’scommitment to defending its maritime interests, especially in light ofevolving regional threats.
In parallel, the Indian Navy has conducted multiple live-fire exercises andissued corresponding NOTAMs for operations in the Arabian Sea throughoutrecent months. Reports indicate drills involving warships, includingadvanced guided missile platforms, focusing on surface, sub-surface andanti-air warfare scenarios. These exercises often coincide with broaderoperational cycles aimed at enhancing interoperability and responsecapabilities. The proximity of some Indian drill zones to Pakistan’sdeclared areas has been highlighted in defence forums, though both naviesmaintain that their activities remain within exclusive economic zones orhigh seas without direct overlap in active firing periods.
Historically, the Arabian Sea has witnessed frequent naval manoeuvres byboth Pakistan and India, reflecting their strategic postures in the broaderIndo-Pacific framework. Pakistan’s naval modernisation includes integrationof advanced surface-to-air missiles like the FM-90(N) ER, successfullytested in late 2025, demonstrating extended-range defence against aerialthreats. India, on the other hand, continues to bolster its fleet withindigenous and acquired assets, conducting complex exercises to projectpower across vast oceanic expanses. Such developments occur against thebackdrop of unresolved maritime boundary issues near Sir Creek, whereoverlapping claims have occasionally complicated operational planning.
The issuance of NOTAMs serves a critical safety function, alerting civilianaviation and maritime traffic to avoid designated danger zones during livefiring. These notifications typically specify coordinates, altitudes andtime windows, ensuring no unintended incidents occur. In recent instances,both countries have adhered to international protocols, with exercisesspaced to prevent direct interference. However, the frequency of suchannouncements in late 2025 and early 2026 has amplified perceptions of atit-for-tat dynamic, especially when drills follow each other in quicksuccession. Experts argue this pattern reflects mutual monitoring andreadiness signalling rather than immediate confrontation.
Regional security implications remain a focal point for analysts trackingSouth Asian military developments. The Arabian Sea’s role as a vital energycorridor means any heightened activity can influence global shippinginsurance rates and diplomatic engagements. Both navies have emphasisedthat these exercises are defensive in nature, aimed at deterrence andcapability validation amid evolving geopolitical realities. Internationalobservers, including those from multilateral forums, continue to advocateconfidence-building measures to reduce miscalculation risks in contestedwaters.
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Defence officials from Pakistan have reiterated that routine naval trainingstrengthens deterrence without targeting any specific adversary. Similarstatements from Indian sources describe their exercises as essential formaintaining operational tempo in a challenging maritime environment. Thedual notifications, while separate, highlight the delicate balance bothnations maintain in projecting strength while avoiding escalation. As navalcapabilities advance on both sides, sustained dialogue through establishedchannels could help mitigate tensions arising from such overlappingactivities.
Source: https://hydrography.paknavy.gov.pk/navarea-ix-warnings/
Tags: Pakistan Navy, Indian Navy, Arabian Sea, NOTAM, Missile Exerciseogimageimage-name