*KARACHI: **In a big boost to maritime defence, Pakistan Navy successfullytest fires indigenous built Anti Ship Missile ‘Zarb’.*
*The Pakistan Navy successfully test-fired a land-based anti-ship missile,‘Zarb’ as part of a training exercise from the coastal region on Tuesday.*
The missile successfully followed its preplanned trajectory and accuratelyengaged the target at sea, according to a Pakistan Navy spokesperson. Chiefof the Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi witnessed the exercise aschief guest.
Speaking on the occasion, the naval chief expressed his utmost satisfactionon the operational readiness of the Pakistan Navy. He said Pakistan’spursuit of peace and stability has to be taken in the context of its questfor maintaining a peaceful coexistence in the region and not to bemisconstrued as weakness.
“Pakistan Navy, being a professionally competent and potent force, is fullycapable of thwarting any aggression with an iron fist,” Admiral Abbasisaid, adding operationalszation of Zarb Weapon System is depictive ofPakistan’s strong resolve and high level of preparedness.
He reaffirmed the resolve that Pakistan Navy’s personnel remain vigilantand combat-ready to guard the sea frontiers and maritime interests of ourmotherland.
Chief of the Naval Staff also underscored the importance of Pakistan Navy’sown initiatives of Regional Maritime Security Patrols (RMSP) in Gulf ofAden/North Arabian Sea.
Pakistan Navy’s participation in multinational Combined Maritime Force(CMF) and recent joining of Trans Regional Maritime Network withparticipants from 32 navies which will greatly contribute in improvingmaritime security.