In response to the ongoing maritime challenges in the Middle East, Pakistan Navy has strategically deployed its vessel, PNS TUGHRIL, in the Gulf of Aden. The primary objective is to ensure the safety of Pakistani merchant ships transiting through one of the world’s busiest chokepoints. This deployment comes at a time when security threats such as piracy, regional conflicts, and potential confrontations in the area have heightened.
Highlighting its commitment to a rule-based order in the region, Pakistan Navy clarified its national responsibility in safeguarding sea routes. The statement emphasized the regular deployment of ships on Regional Maritime Security Patrols and collaborative efforts within the Combined Maritime Forces framework. The Gulf of Aden is particularly vital, as it serves as a key transit route for global trade, including oil shipments, making it a critical area for maritime security.
Commodore Syed Rizwan Khalid, the Pakistan Navy Spokesman, revealed that the decision to deploy PNS TUGHRIL was made during the Command and Staff Conference, considering the evolving maritime situation in the Middle East. Emphasizing the global role of navies in safeguarding communication routes, he underscored the advanced capabilities of PNS TUGHRIL, including its capacity to intercept long-range missiles and protect other vessels.
It’s worth noting that PNS TUGHRIL, inducted into the Pakistan Navy in January last year, is equipped with HQ-16 medium-range air defense missiles, an upgraded version of HQ-7, in a vertical launching system. The vessel’s advanced radar systems and communication capabilities further enhance its ability to monitor and respond to potential threats in the region, ensuring the security of Pakistani and international maritime traffic. This deployment demonstrates Pakistan’s continued efforts to contribute to regional stability and security in a strategically significant area. Moreover, it reinforces Pakistan Navy’s broader goal of ensuring peace and stability in key maritime zones, supporting international trade routes vital to the global economy.
