ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Navy has issued an updated Notice to Mariners(NOTMAR) and NAVAREA warning for a significant naval exercise in theArabian Sea, effective from November 21 to 26, 2025, near Ormara inBalochistan. This escalation follows an earlier advisory for a limitedtwo-day drill confined to a 14-kilometer radius. The revised parameters nowencompass a six-day duration and an expanded exclusion zone ofapproximately 83 kilometers, underscoring intensified operational readiness.
Military analysts attribute the expansion to evolving regional securitydynamics, particularly amid concurrent exercises by neighboring navies. Theexercise will involve live-fire maneuvers, tactical drills, and vesseldeployments to enhance interoperability and response capabilities. Ormara,a strategic coastal hub, serves as the focal point, leveraging itsproximity to key maritime routes vital for national defense and trade.
The decision to broaden the scope reflects broader concerns over maritimedomain awareness in the Arabian Sea, a conduit for global energy supplies.Pakistani officials emphasize that the drills adhere to internationalnorms, with advance notifications to ensure navigational safety.Nonetheless, the timing coincides with heightened Indo-Pak militaryposturing, prompting scrutiny from regional stakeholders.
Sources within the defense establishment indicate that the exercise aims totest advanced weaponry and surveillance systems, bolstering deterrencepostures. While no foreign participation is confirmed, it aligns withPakistan’s routine efforts to safeguard exclusive economic zones. The Navyhas urged civilian mariners to avoid the demarcated area to preventdisruptions.
This development arrives shortly after the conclusion of the multinationalAMAN-2025 exercise in February, which highlighted collaborative maritimesecurity. Experts view the standalone drill as a proactive measure toaddress asymmetric threats, including piracy and unauthorized incursions.As preparations intensify, the international community monitors forpotential spillover effects on shipping lanes.
Read Top Stories
The expanded NOTMAR underscores Pakistan’s commitment to a rules-basedmaritime order while navigating complex geopolitical undercurrents. Furtherdetails on participating assets remain classified, but the exercise ispoised to reaffirm naval prowess in a contested theater.
