ISPR highlights combat readiness in complex threat environment

The Pakistan Navy has successfully conducted a Live Weapon Firing (LWF) of the FM-90(N) ER Surface-to-Air Missile, reaffirming its combat readiness, operational preparedness, and air defence capability in an increasingly complex maritime threat environment.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the exercise was carried out in the North Arabian Sea as part of a scheduled firepower demonstration aimed at validating real-time operational effectiveness.

What Was Tested

The live firing involved the launch of the FM-90(N) ER Surface-to-Air Missile from a Pakistan Navy ship, targeting highly manoeuvrable aerial threats under realistic operational conditions.

The missile system successfully detected, tracked, and engaged fast-moving targets, demonstrating precision, responsiveness, and system reliability. The engagement highlighted the effectiveness of the Navy’s layered air defence architecture at sea.

Where the Exercise Took Place

The firing was conducted in the North Arabian Sea, a strategically significant maritime region where readiness and deterrence remain central to Pakistan’s naval posture.

Conducting the exercise at sea, rather than in simulated conditions, allowed for a realistic assessment of weapon performance, crew coordination, and command-and-control integration.

How the Exercise Strengthened Combat Readiness

According to ISPR, the successful engagement of agile aerial targets reaffirmed the Pakistan Navy’s war-fighting capability.

The live firing also served as a practical validation of:

• Crew training and operational proficiency
• Weapon system integration onboard fleet units
• Command, control, and response coordination under real-world conditions

Such exercises are critical to ensuring naval forces remain fully prepared to counter evolving airborne threats in the maritime domain.

Who Oversaw the Demonstration

The Pakistan Navy Fleet Commander witnessed the exercise onboard a fleet unit at sea, underscoring the operational importance of the activity.

Following the firing, the commander commended the officers and sailors for their professionalism, dedication, and high level of operational competence demonstrated during the exercise.

Why This Test Matters: Strategic and Security Perspective

The successful FM-90(N) ER missile firing reflects the Pakistan Navy’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its defensive capabilities and maintain a credible deterrence posture in regional waters.

In an environment marked by rapid technological advancement and evolving aerial threats, continuous training and live weapon validation remain essential to ensuring:

• Effective seaward defence
• Protection of national maritime interests
• Sustained operational vigilance

What Comes Next

The fleet commander reiterated the Navy’s unwavering resolve to safeguard Pakistan’s maritime domain under all circumstances, emphasizing that realistic exercises and continuous preparedness are central pillars of maritime security.

The successful live firing stands as a clear signal of the Pakistan Navy’s commitment to maintaining high standards of readiness, deterrence, and operational excellence at sea.