Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of the Naval Staff, Pakistan Navy

As the maritime security landscape of the Indian Ocean evolves, the Pakistan Navy has faced increasing challenges and opportunities in safeguarding national and regional interests. From addressing emerging non-traditional threats like piracy and maritime terrorism to advancing naval modernisation and enhancing regional cooperation, the Navy continues to solidify its position as a formidable force in the region.

In this exclusive interview with the Asian Defence Journal, the Chief of Naval Staff, Pakistan Navy shares insights into the Navy’s strategic priorities, its role in fostering regional maritime security, and its ongoing modernisation efforts. This discussion also delves into Pakistan’s participation in multinational exercises, its contributions to international peacekeeping, and the Navy’s vision for leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance operational readiness.

ADJ: What are the main maritime security threats faced by the Pakistan Navy in the Indian Ocean?

CNS: Global geo-political environment is ambiguous, volatile and is characterised by realignment of interests. Pakistan finds itself in the midst of a complex geo-political and geo-economic competition prevailing in the region. Pakistan’s maritime security is intertwined with the maritime environment in the Indian Ocean, which is rapidly transforming. In our immediate neighbourhood, long drawn instability in Afghanistan simmers and continues to impinge upon regional security. On our eastern side, India is disturbing regional peace by blatantly provoking its neighbours. On our Western flank, Iran’s standoff with the US and Israel may manifest into a precarious situation for the shipping plying along the international Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs).

Ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict with spill over in maritime arena after missile strikes by Houthis on merchant traffic and counter strikes on Yemen mainland by US led West has created conditions for enhanced extra regional forces’ (ERF) presence in the region. Access to shore-based missiles and remotely operated vehicles to the warring groups is a serious threat to SLOCs transiting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

In non-traditional domain; maritime terrorism, piracy, drug trafficking, gun running and human smuggling are main challenges being faced. Challenge to our regional maritime security is an ominous hybrid mix of traditional and non-traditional threats.

ADJ: What is Pakistan’s contribution to maritime security in the Indian Ocean region? For example, its involvement in Combined Maritime Forces?

CNS: Pakistan Navy has a long and successful tradition in cooperating with international partners. We believe that the magnitude and diversity of threats and challenges in our region is such that no country has the wherewithal to tackle them alone. Therefore, Collaborative maritime security has become an imperative for ensuring maritime security in the region. Our key principle is to keep the maritime environment safe against non-traditional threats and effectively contribute towards safety and security of vital sea lanes in the Arabian Sea, to our best abilities despite being a moderate Navy.

There is no second opinion on the fact that intensifying naval cooperation with other navies will help ensure maritime security in the Arabian Sea and adjacent regions. PN contributions in CTF-150, CTF-151, conduct of Regional Maritime Security Patrols (RMSPs) and regular participation in bi/ tri-lateral events, Ex AMAN, AMAN Dialogue, all point in the same direction.

ADJ: When you joined the navy the Cold War, (in which Pakistan essentially in the Western camp for the most part), was dying. Today we are effectively in a new Cold War. So given Pakistan’s relationship with China, growing relationship with Russia, where do you stand?

CNS: When I joined the Navy, the Cold War was indeed in its final stages, and Pakistan was perceived as part of the Western camp. In hindsight, it may appear that we were engaged in camp politics, but our stance during that period was driven by our firm belief in principles, not just alignments. We stood for human rights, freedom of life, freedom of expression and the right to choose and practice faith, values that guided our opposition to the Soviet Union’s actions in Afghanistan. These principles continue to shape our foreign policy even today.

In the present context, while some may draw parallels to a new Cold War between major global powers, Pakistan’s foreign policy remains “principle-centric”. We seek engagement based on mutual respect and shared interests with all nations, without subscribing to the notion of bloc or camp politics. Our relationship with China has grown from strength to strength, founded on mutual strategic interests and a deep sense of cooperation. Similarly, our relationship with Russia reflects evolving global dynamics and Pakistan’s intent to diversify its international engagements. However, it is crucial to emphasise that these relationships are not at the expense of our longstanding ties with the United States and the European Union. Pakistan continues to maintain strong and collaborative relations with the West, rooted in historical connections, shared values and mutual interests, particularly in the areas of security, trade and people-to-people ties.

ADJ: Pakistan Navy faces a larger adversary with a wide range of capabilities at its disposal. How are you mitigating these challenges?

CNS: Pakistan Navy is a balanced force, which is capable of responding to the full spectrum of conflicts and is optimised to evolving character of warfare, rehearsed to perform in time sensitive situations and remains combat ready. Manned by competent HR, integrated through network centric warfare (NCW) and with a right balance between manned and unmanned assets, our fleet is capable of dealing with diverse maritime challenges. While India continues to portray itself as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean, however, we will continue to maintain our presence in the ocean. We are not in an arms race with India, however, we maintain adequate capacity to accomplish assigned tasks effectively.

ADJ: What are some of the key acquisitions being carried out to strengthen the Pakistan Navy fleet?

CNS: Indigenisation and modernisation of the Pakistan Navy is an important cardinal of my vision. Our development strategy is based on “progressive capability enhancement” so as to create a balanced, potent and combat ready force to deal with the evolving threats through acquisition of force multipliers, indigenous and innovative technical solutions.

We have been focusing on induction of modern platforms, force multipliers, indigenisation and maintaining diversified options to mitigate external dependencies. At the same time, we believe in making best use of available resources. Recently, we have inducted Type 054 A/P Frigates from China, OPVs Batch-I and Batch-II from Romania and MILGEM class corvette from Turkiye. These platforms with latest weapons and sensors will be a significant addition to PN existing capabilities to effectively deal with today’s complex multi-threat environment. PN is in process of inducting remaining MILGEM class ships as two of these ships are being constructed indigenously at Pakistan (KS&EW).

Based on experience gained during construction of MILGEM class ships, Pakistan Navy is planning to build JINNAH class frigates (JCF) which will be our first ever indigenously designed and built frigate-sized warship.

ADJ: Autonomous unmanned technologies (aerial / surface / subsurface) have matured now, and are being evaluated or are even entering service with navies globally. What progress have you made in your efforts to develop and induct such platforms?

CNS: We’ve made significant strides in developing and inducting autonomous unmanned aerial systems in the Navy and also embedding them with the naval operations. We are currently operating CASC Rainbow CH-4 from China, Boeing MO-27 ScanEagle from the United States and the Rheinmetall Luna NG from Germany. These UAVs are primarily employed for surveillance purposes, significantly enhancing our capabilities in maritime domain awareness.

Operationally, we believe in a hybrid approach that combines manned and unmanned systems for naval operations. This strategy enables us to leverage the strengths of both types of platforms, optimising operational flexibility and effectiveness. By integrating unmanned technologies with traditional manned systems, what I have observed is that operational gaps have been duly addressed, especially with regards to surveillance while substantially cutting repair / maintenance and operating costs.

ADJ: Can you please briefly introduce Ex AMAN and AMAN Dialogue?

CNS: Main objectives of AMAN are to foster regional cooperation for maintenance of good order at sea, improve interoperability, share experiences, understand each other and exhibit united resolve against terrorism and organised crimes in the maritime domain. PN is fully prepared and geared up to conduct AMAN-25 with enhanced participation of friendly countries in a professional and befitting manner. I may mention that the previous edition of the exercise held in February 2023, witnessed participation from 50 countries across the globe. Keeping the same spirit, we are hopeful that this edition will also mark a distinctive chapter in history of AMAN exercises with enhanced participation of friendly countries. Moreover, we are also looking forward to a healthy participation of Chiefs of Navies / Coast Guards / Defence Forces during AMAN Dialogue.

ADJ: What are the main roles and responsibilities of the Pakistan Navy, especially with regard to the rapidly changing geopolitical landscape that has seen conflict in the Middle East, Europe, and tensions in the Asia-Pacific?

CNS: The geopolitical environment of our region is changing rapidly especially due to ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict with its butterfly effect in Yemen and Iran. Already volatile maritime security environment coupled with a diverse range of traditional and non-traditional maritime threats necessitates a robust, adaptive and technologically advanced Navy with well-trained human resources. The most pressing challenge is to continue boosting combat readiness through optimal utilisation of resources and completion of ongoing projects under financial constraints in order to enhance Pakistan Navy’s prowess in an increasingly complex maritime security environment in the region.

I am eager to prepare the Pakistan Navy to counter both conventional and non-conventional threats being posed to us. In addition, I would like to see our navy performing 24/7 while ensuring security and stability in the North Arabian Sea. I am committed to strengthening Pakistan’s role as a key maritime player, capable of contributing to regional stability while protecting our sea lines of communication and economic interests.

ADJ: Is there anything you think should be adopted to train future military leadership in line with technological advancements? What is the most important thing that moulds the leadership of the future?

CNS: I firmly believe that training future military leadership must evolve in line with the rapid technological advancements we are witnessing today. The new generation, referred to as Generation Z, requires a different kind of engagement. They value openness, transparency and truthfulness and they are naturally curious. This generation is unafraid to ask challenging questions and as leaders and trainers, we must be prepared to provide thoughtful, honest answers. This requires a shift in how we approach leadership and mentorship.

The most important factor in molding the “sailor of the future” is their conviction and sense of purpose. Without these, it is nearly impossible to foster the dedication and commitment necessary for effective naval service. A cadet with a clear sense of purpose and belief in the values they uphold will always rise to the challenges of the future, regardless of technological advances.