The US–Israel war against Iran highlighted the significance of the sea in shaping geopolitics, not only for the contestants of the war but also for all coastal states. The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran and the US response highlighted the strength of naval power in influencing military outcomes, whatever they may be, and indicated a higher trend of investment in the maritime domain in the future.

In the midst of this, the Pakistan Navy’s efforts towards maritime cooperation and the safety and security of maritime operations in the Arabian Sea not only brought the country to the centre stage of geopolitical dynamics but also gave traction to the maritime dimension of Pakistan’s national security and well-being.

Considering Pakistan’s military and strategic calculations and the recurrence of conflict with its adversary, where the navy and its role have normally been obscure, the question arises: What is the value of the Pakistan Navy?

It is the attributes and characteristics of the sea – the operating environment of the navy – that render naval forces important and shape their structure. The sea’s importance for prosperity, security and identity argues for and justifies the existence and build-up of naval forces. Therefore, an understanding of the sea is important to understand the navy and naval warfare. Whereas neglecting to understand and embrace the importance and understanding of the sea is equivalent to neglecting the maritime dimension of national security and strategy. This logic necessitates an appreciation, recognition and embrace of the sea and its critical importance for the nation’s well-being.

The operating environment of the Pakistan Navy (PN) is the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. One can estimate the strategic significance of the Indian Ocean region from its stretch that connects the eastern coast of Africa with the western coast of Australia and from its potential for global........

© The Friday Times