The Pakistan Navy and China’s PLA Navy successfully concluded the joint naval exercise ‘Sea Guardian IV’ on Wednesday.
Conducted from 25 March to 1 April 2026, the exercise was aimed at enhancing interoperability and strengthening maritime cooperation between the two navies.
‘Sea Guardian IV’ featured a five-day harbour phase in Karachi, followed by a two-day sea phase in the North Arabian Sea, where participating units carried out a range of professional and operational drills.
During the port visit, PLA Navy Ship Daqing was welcomed by PNS Taimur. Activities included exchange visits, orientations at naval installations, professional discussions on maritime challenges, and a maiden Young Officers Seminar.
The sea phase featured key exercises such as air defence drills against multi-domain swarm threats, operations with a Pakistan Navy submarine, conventional war-at-sea exercises, and live gunnery firing, strengthening operational and tactical coordination.
The exercise concluded with a coordinated patrol in the Arabian Sea, reaffirming both navies’ commitment to regional maritime security and stability.
It is worth mentioning here that the Pakistan Navy had also launched Operation Muhafiz ul Bahr in the month of March to protect national shipping and maritime trade.
The move comes during the time of rising regional maritime security concerns and potential threats to important sea routes. Pakistan Navy launches operation to protect shipping and trade
The operation has been designed to make sure that Pakistan’s energy supplies and trade routes are safe and not interrupted.
Navy ships are escorting merchant vessels in coordination with the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) to make their passage safe.
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