Pakistan Navy
The Pakistan Navy (PN) stands as the naval warfare branch of the Pakistan Armed Forces, operating along the coastline of Pakistan in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman. Established in August 1947 after the country gained independence, the Navy operates under the supreme command of the President of Pakistan, with day-to-day operations overseen by the Chief of the Naval Staff, a four-star admiral.
Comprehensive Overview
| Insignia | Color Scheme | National Flag | Naval Jack | Ensign | Navy Roundel |
 |   |  |  |  |  |
| Founding Details: | |||||
| Established: Inaugurated on August 14, 1947 (Marking 75 years and 5 months of service) | |||||
| Country: Pakistan | |||||
| Type: Naval Force | |||||
| Affiliation: Integral part of the Pakistan Armed Forces | |||||
| Anniversary: Annual celebration of Navy Day on September 8 | |||||
| Headquarters: Anchored at Naval Headquarters (NHQ), Islamabad-44230 | |||||
| Operational Focus: | |||||
| Naval Warfare | |||||
| Maritime Security | |||||
| Coastal Defense | |||||
| Second-Strike Capability | |||||
| Personnel Strength: | |||||
| Active-duty Personnel: A dedicated force numbering 50,000 | |||||
| Reserve Force: Standing robust with 50,000 reservists | |||||
| Marines: Comprising a force of 18,000 personnel | |||||
| Maritime Security Agency: Contributing significantly with 4,000 members | |||||
| Civilian Personnel: A coordinated team of 2,800 | |||||
| Naval Assets: A fleet comprising 200 vessels | |||||
| Aircraft Fleet: Operating a diverse range of 87 aircraft | |||||
| Motto(s): | |||||
| Arabic: “حَسْبُنَا اللَّهُ وَنِعْمَ الْوَكِيلُ” | |||||
| Urdu: “ہمارے لیے اللّٰہ کافی ہے اور وہ بہترین کارساز ہے” | |||||
| English: “Allah is Sufficient for us – and what an excellent Trustee of affairs is He!” – Quran, 3:173 | |||||
| Naval Fleet: | |||||
| Frigates: Combining 10 actively operational with 6 in reserve | |||||
| Corvettes: A fleet of 6 actively deployed with 6 on standby | |||||
| Submarines: An active fleet of 5 with 8 in reserve | |||||
| Patrol Craft: Operating with 65 actively and 20 in reserve | |||||
| Replenishment Ships: A fleet of 6 supporting naval operations | |||||
| Mine Countermeasure: Operating with a fleet of 3 vessels | |||||
| Research & Survey Vessels: Equipped with 2 specialized vessels | |||||
| Support Ships: Two dedicated to logistical support | |||||
| Commanding Leadership: | |||||
| Commander-in-Chief: The highest leadership position held by President Arif Alvi | |||||
| Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff: Strategic guidance provided by General Sahir Shamshad Mirza | |||||
| Chief of the Naval Staff: Admiral Naveed Ashraf leading the naval forces | |||||
| Vice Chief of the Naval Staff: Responsibilities entrusted to Vice Admiral Ovais Ahmed Bilgrami | |||||
| Operational Engagements: | |||||
| Actively participated in Indo-Pakistani wars and conflicts | |||||
| Contributed to conflicts in the Arab world | |||||
| Involved in the War in Afghanistan | |||||
| Presence felt in the Somali Civil War | |||||
| Participation in the Sri Lankan Civil War | |||||
| Significant role played in the War on Terror | |||||
| Actively involved in UN Peacekeeping missions | |||||
| Aircraft Deployment: | |||||
| Helicopter Fleet: Operating Harbin Z-9, Alouette III, Mil Mi-14, and Westland Sea King | |||||
| Patrol Aircraft: Utilizing ATR-72-500, Fokker F27-2000, Lockheed P-3C Orion, and Embraer Lineage 1000 | |||||
| Reconnaissance Aircraft: Deploying GIDS Uqab, EMT Luna X, and Hawker 850XP | |||||
| Transport Aircraft: Relying on ATR 72-500 and Fokker F27-2000 | |||||
| Official Online Presence: For additional information, visit paknavy.gov.pk | |||||
Other Details:
Mission and Objectives:
The primary objective of the Pakistan Navy is to defend the sea lines of communication and safeguard the maritime interests of Pakistan. This involves executing national policies through a combination of military, diplomatic, and humanitarian activities. Beyond its defensive role, the Navy has demonstrated a commitment to global security by participating in multinational task forces mandated by the United Nations, focusing on preventing seaborne terrorism and enhancing privacy off the coasts.
Role in Conflicts:
As a volunteer force, the Pakistan Navy has engaged in conflicts with neighboring India on two occasions, showcasing its preparedness and dedication to safeguarding sea borders. Additionally, the Navy has played a crucial role in advising Gulf Arab states and other friendly nations during multinational conflicts in the Indian Ocean, highlighting its role as a regional military advisor.
Components of the Navy:
The Pakistan Navy comprises various components, including Naval Aviation, Marines, and the Maritime Security Agency (a coast guard). The Naval Aviation ensures air capabilities, the Marines specialize in expeditionary and amphibious warfare, while the Maritime Security Agency focuses on coast guard responsibilities.
Defensive Capabilities:
Since its inception in 1947, the Navy’s defensive role has expanded beyond securing sea lines to include being the custodian of Pakistan’s second strike capability. This involves possessing the ability to launch underwater missile systems, enhancing the Navy’s capacity to target enemy positions.
Global Ranking:
The Pakistan Navy holds the distinction of being the second-largest navy in the Muslim world, following the Turkish Navy. This underscores its significance and capabilities in the international maritime landscape.
Leadership and Chief of Naval Staff:
The Navy is led by the Chief of the Naval Staff, a four-star admiral, who is part of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee. The Chief of Naval Staff is appointed by the President of Pakistan based on the Prime Minister’s nomination. As of October 7, 2023, Admiral Naveed Ashraf serves as the 23rd Chief of the Pakistan Navy, succeeding Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi. The Chief plays a pivotal role in steering the Navy’s strategic direction and ensuring its operational readiness.