Pak-Türkiye Navies Conclude First Joint Drill in Karachi

Download IPFS

Pakistan and Türkiye’s naval special forces completed their inaugural bilateral exercise in Karachi, enhancing maritime cooperation and combat readiness, as announced by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The Pakistan Navy and Turkish Navy successfully concluded their first-ever bilateral amphibious exercise in Karachi, marking a significant step in strengthening defense ties, according to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported by The Express Tribune. The drill, conducted on August 6, 2025, involved special forces from both nations and featured live-fire exercises, urban warfare tactics, and amphibious operations in coastal zones. The ISPR highlighted that the exercise aimed to improve joint operational readiness and strategic planning for maritime and urban environments, showcasing the professionalism of both forces, as per Daily Times.

The exercise included a range of operations, such as combat firing techniques, convoy escort drills, and coordinated sea-land maneuvers, reflecting the deep-rooted defense partnership between Pakistan and Türkiye, per Arab News. Rear Admiral Abdul Munib, Commander of the Pakistan Fleet, emphasized that the drill validated the operational preparedness of both navies, reinforcing their commitment to regional peace through collaborative training, according to Associated Press of Pakistan (APP). The event follows a history of naval cooperation, including Türkiye’s modernization of Pakistan’s Agosta 90B-class submarines and the delivery of MILGEM-class corvettes, with two built in Karachi under a technology transfer agreement, as noted by Defence Turkey Magazine.

The drill comes amid Pakistan’s efforts to bolster maritime security in the Arabian Sea, a critical region for global trade routes, as highlighted by Admiral Naveed Ashraf during the AMAN-25 exercise planning, per Naval Technology. This inaugural drill underscores both nations’ resolve to counter maritime threats and maintain stability, building on decades of military collaboration, including exercises like Turgutreis and Ataturk-XIII, per The Express Tribune.