Pakistan Navy conducts live firing of anti-ship missile in North Arabian Sea

The Pakistan Navy has carried out live weapon firing in the North Arabian Sea in order to demonstrate the country's naval firepower.

An air-to-surface anti-ship missile was launched during the firing, which successfully hit the intended target with ‘pinpoint’ accuracy, thereby reinforcing the lethality of the weapon.

The missile launch was conducted from the navy’s Sea King helicopter and was intended to demonstrate the naval fleet's high state of readiness and professionalism.

In a statement, Pakistan Chief of the naval staff admiral Muhammad Zakaullah “expressed complete satisfaction on the combat readiness of the naval fleet and commended the efforts put in by all involved."

Appreciating the personnel's overall professionalism and morale, Zakaullah “reaffirmed the resolve of Pakistan Navy to ensure country’s seaward defence and safeguard maritime interests at all cost."

The Pakistan Navy previously received seven surplus Westland Sea King multirole helicopters from the UK in 2016.

It also conducted the live firing of a surface-to-surface anti-ship missile along the North Arabian Sea from the navy’s Sword-class frigate PNS Aslat in December last year, reported PTI.

Additionally, the navy test-fired a 2,200km-range, indigenously-built, surface-to-surface, nuclear-capable missile known as Ababeel, as well as the Babur-III cruise missile, from a submarine in January.

A ground-to-sea anti-ship missile was also successfully test fired from a coastal region in March.

Image: The Pakistan Navy live-fires anti-ship missile from helicopter Sea King. Photo: courtesy of the Pakistan Navy.