Maritime Resolve: Pakistan Navy’s NAVAREA IX Drills Signal Readiness Amid Overlapping NOTAMs

Signaling Strength in the Arabian Sea

The maritime assertiveness of Pakistan is clear. A strong readiness was shown by the publication of NAVAREA IX by the Hydrographer of Pakistan, permitting live-fire naval training in the northern Arabian Sea. The warning covers an area (23°30’N 67°50’E, 22°50’N 67°30’E, 22°42’N 67°20’E, 22°42’N 66°30’E, back to 23°30’N 66°30’E) where surface and underground firing will occur. The Pakistan Navy provided mariners with accurate coordinates and times, fulfilling their SOLAS V requirement to broadcast NAVAREA warnings. The precision of these notices (referencing charts PAK 33, 57, BA 707/4705) underscores the transparency of the authorities.

The naval preparedness of Pakistan is being displayed both by live-firing drills and diplomacy. The NAVAREA IX firing notice demonstrates that there is operational readiness amid the tensions in the region. Meanwhile, Pakistan is hosting the Pakistan International Maritime Expo and Conference (PIMEC) in Karachi. The event fosters the development of the blue economy and maritime cooperation. Pakistan connects deterrence to development by displaying its assets, such as Gwadar Port and CPEC. The exercises and PIMEC, in combination, represent a balanced approach that enhances defense and increases maritime engagement.

Overlap Within Law, Strength Within Restraint

The drill zone is near India’s current exercise area. It has also been reported that India issued its own air/sea exercise NOTAM, i.e., Exercise Trishul, along the Pakistan border and in the northern Arabian Sea. The polygons overlap during the drills, which is a natural result of neighboring maritime claims. The area bordering Pakistan is entirely within Pakistan’s EEZ and continental shelf. Islamabad’s notice was issued two days after India’s NOTAM (October 30), but the timing appears coincidental rather than provocative. The territories of both nations inevitably intersect because India’s northeastern territories are south of the Sir Creek. This proximity quirk does not imply any illegitimacy; Pakistan is simply exercising its lawful rights within its waters. In fact, Pakistan issued maritime warnings in line with IMO/NAVAREA regulations, not to confront India.

Pakistan’s actions are fully justified under international law. Under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), coastal nations have sovereign rights over their EEZs to ensure security and resource protection. Pakistan’s live-fire exercises happen in the international waters off Karachi, which it controls. Issuing NAVAREA IX meets SOLAS Chapter V and IMO guidelines by prioritizing safety. This practice is standard for navies worldwide, including India, during patrols or drills in shared waters. Pakistan’s NOTAM is routine, and routine notifications are mandatory – it does not breach any laws. Similarly, UNCLOS upholds freedom of navigation and overflight, provided no aggression occurs. In this case, Pakistan declared a temporary danger area, continued firing within it, and withdrew the warning shortly after November 5. This is a clear demonstration of legal conduct and reflects professionalism, showing that Pakistan operates within the global maritime rules.

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Pakistan Navy Shows Its Strength

The exercises showcase the Pakistan Navy’s advanced preparedness. The live drills include surface ships and submarines firing weapons, providing a comprehensive display. The drills are led by modern Pakistani combatants equipped with Chinese-made systems. These ships significantly enhance Pakistan’s multi-mission capabilities, especially in air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and maritime surveillance. Recent joint exercises with China also involved anti-submarine training in the northern Arabian Sea. Pakistan’s new Hangor-class submarines, with the first launching in 2026, will soon patrol deeper waters in the Arabian Sea. The Pakistani naval chief notes that Chinese submarines will boost Pakistan’s ability to patrol the northern Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean. The upcoming exercises will include missile launches, sonar tracking, and depth-charge training, demonstrating that Pakistan’s vessels and aircraft, such as P-3 Orion patrols and Breguet Atlantics, are ready for combat conditions.

Pakistan also demonstrated its increasing maritime power at PIMEC 2025. The first Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) was introduced in the country by Stingray Technologies, which is a significant step toward naval autonomy. The USV is capable of maintenance of coastal surveillance, reconnaissance, and defense operations. It is a milestone for Pakistan in unmanned and smart warfare systems. The “Sarfarosh Kamikaze” drone was also displayed by WIS Pvt Ltd, and it demonstrated developments in indigenous defense production. The event was characterized by global involvement and innovation. PIMEC 2025 was a sign of Pakistan’s determination to modernize, defend its seas, and dominate maritime technology.

Regionally, these activities send a message of deterrence and stability. Pakistan is showcasing its capability to protect its maritime borders through fully notified drills. It has historically hosted multinational naval exercises such as AMAN and has cooperated with allies to maintain security. As Reuters reports, Pakistan’s biennial AMAN exercise brings together regional and beyond navies to improve interoperability, counterterrorism, and maritime crime efforts. While primarily national, these drills also serve as a reminder to neighbors that Pakistan’s Navy is prepared to defend sea routes and counter piracy and maritime terrorism. The drill area is clear of international shipping, and mariners are instructed to avoid it to prevent accidents. Islamabad stresses that such preparedness promotes stability. According to Admiral Naveed Ashraf, joint Pakistan-China exercises aim to foster peace, stability, and free navigation, showing that a strong Pakistan Navy is integral to regional security, not a threat.

Conclusion

Pakistan’s northern Arabian Sea drills and hosting of the Pakistan International Maritime Expo and Conference (PIMEC) in Karachi demonstrate its naval professionalism and sovereign rights. The detailed coordinates and timing specified in NAVAREA are purely geographic, not hostile. Pakistan operates in accordance with UN law in its EEZ and reports all activities through IMO channels. The live-fire and anti-submarine exercises prove Pakistan Navy’s capacity to defend its waters. Ultimately, Pakistan’s message is one of peace combined with strength and skill at sea.