Pakistan Navy's major maritime exercise Sea Spark 2026 has begun in Karachi, with the naval chief leading the opening briefing. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations, the exercise is assessing the Pakistan Navy's combat readiness and its ability to respond to traditional and emerging maritime threats. Warships, submarines, aircraft and unmanned systems are taking part in the exercise. Pakistan Navy Marines and special forces are also involved, along with units from the Pakistan Army and Air Force.

The exercise is designed to test the armed forces' response to a changing security environment and strengthen cooperation between the three services. The naval chief said maintaining a high level of combat readiness was essential in view of the changing security situation. He stressed the need to make cooperation between the three armed forces more effective. Sea Spark 2026 is also testing multi-domain operations, bringing together maritime, air, land, cyber and space capabilities.

Special attention is being given to operations in the information environment. The exercise aims to improve the Navy's ability to gain an advantage in the information warfare arena. The exercise includes preparations for both kinetic operations at sea and information warfare, reflecting the changing nature of modern military operations. The Naval Chief also visited Pakistan Navy fleet units and reviewed ongoing operations as part of the exercise.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)