The Pakistan Navy successfully conducted the 13th edition of Exercise BARRACUDA–XIII from 9 to 11 December 2025 in Karachi and the North Arabian Sea. The exercise, held under the framework of the National Marine Disaster Contingency Plan (NMDCP), brought together a significant number of countries and international organisations, reflecting the global maritime community’s growing confidence in Pakistan’s commitment to ensuring a safe, secure and sustainable maritime environment.
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf NI NI(M) T Bt, message on the occasion of Exercise Barracuda-XIII underscores the importance of joint readiness against maritime environmental threats.#Barracuda-XIII#PakistanMaritimeSecurityAgency#ProtectOurOceans pic.twitter.com/pYkS7069ee
— PAKISTAN MARITIME SECURITY AGENCY (@PMSAHQ) December 9, 2025
Oceans remain central to sustaining life on Earth by regulating climate, supporting global trade and nurturing biodiversity. As a responsible maritime nation, Pakistan is committed to safeguarding this critical domain in line with international norms. Pakistan Navy (PN), as a key national stakeholder entrusted with ensuring the defence and security of the maritime domain, continues to play a leading role in promoting marine conservation, advancing maritime domain awareness and reinforcing regional cooperation for environmental protection.
Exercise BARRACUDA–XIII focused on strengthening preparedness and interoperability to counter maritime environmental hazards, including oil and chemical spills that pose serious risks to marine biodiversity, coastal communities and international shipping. The exercise underscored the need for swift, coordinated responses among national and international stakeholders to effectively mitigate such threats.
The current edition also featured a Maritime Seminar and presentations of technical papers on modern technologies, pollution-control methodologies, global best practices and Search & Rescue (SAR) procedures. These engagements provided an invaluable forum for experts to deliberate on approaches for improving marine environmental protection and operational readiness.
You May Like To Read: 11 December — Commemorating Gallantry in the 1971 War
Exercise BARRACUDA–XIII enabled participating nations to synergise their efforts toward shared objectives of maritime safety, environmental conservation and regional stability. The Pakistan Navy remains confident that the exercise will further reinforce Pakistan’s constructive role in strengthening global maritime cooperation.
The Chief of the Naval Staff extended his appreciation to all participating countries, the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA), and national stakeholders for their active involvement. He reaffirmed Pakistan Navy’s commitment to keeping the seas free from contamination and ensuring a resilient, sustainable maritime future.
