Pakistan Navy: Growing Strength Beneath the Waves.

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By Yasin Joyia

The Pakistan Navy, though smaller compared to some regional powers, is quietly building a reputation as one of the most modernizing maritime forces in South Asia. With a fleet of over 100 vessels, a strong submarine arm, and new ships arriving from China and Turkey, the Navy is rapidly upgrading its ability to defend the nation’s vast coastline and sea routes.With around 30,000 personnel, the Navy remains the smallest branch of Pakistan’s armed forces. These men and women serve on warships, submarines, aircraft, and in the Pakistan Marines. The force emphasizes quality training at the Pakistan Naval Academy and invests in advanced technology so fewer, well-equipped ships can handle broader responsibilities.The Navy’s most impressive assets are its submarines. French-built Agosta submarines currently patrol the Arabian Sea, while Pakistan is set to nearly double its undersea fleet with eight new Hangor-class submarines from China. Two of these are already completed.On the surface, the fleet includes four newly delivered Tughril-class frigates from China, each armed with advanced missiles and radars. Alongside them are Turkish-designed corvettes and offshore patrol vessels that handle coastal security, counter-smuggling, and protection of Pakistan’s Exclusive Economic Zone.Recent years have seen a major boost in the Navy’s budget. Pakistan has increased defense spending by about 20–30%, directing much of it to naval modernization. At Karachi Shipyard, local construction of ships under technology transfer deals is now underway, a sign that Pakistan is seeking to reduce reliance on imports.
The Navy’s greatest strength lies in its submarine fleet and anti-ship missiles, which provide a powerful “area denial” capability. This means that even with fewer ships, Pakistan can threaten larger adversaries in the Arabian Sea and safeguard vital trade routes, including the ones linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Compared to India, Pakistan has fewer ships, no aircraft carrier, and less ability to project power far beyond its own waters. Sustaining modern warships and submarines also requires significant resources, which can be a challenge given economic constraints.Globally, Pakistan’s military ranks 12th according to the 2025 GlobalFirepower index. Specifically for naval power, most rankings place Pakistan in the 20s to 30s worldwide—a respectable mid-tier force. While it cannot match global navies like the United States, China, Pakistan is increasingly recognized as a strong regional naval power.In the coming years, Pakistan’s Navy will be defined by its submarine expansion and continued shipbuilding partnerships with China and Turkey. The force is expected to focus on protecting Gwadar and Karachi ports, safeguarding sea trade, and strengthening its deterrence in the Arabian Sea.For Pakistan, the Navy’s modernization is not just about weapons, but about ensuring that the nation’s economic lifelines at sea remain secure.Pakistan’s Naval Chief, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, is indeed working to elevate the Pakistan Navy to the next level through a comprehensive modernization and indigenization plan. These initiatives aim to enhance the Pakistan Navy’s capabilities, ensuring a robust and technologically advanced naval force to address evolving threats and protect the country’s maritime interests. The Naval Chief’s vision is to maintain combat readiness, leverage international partnerships, and prioritize indigenous development to take the Pakistan Navy to the next level .

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