Advisory - Arabian Sea, off Pakistan's coastline

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Incident Details

Incident Date & Time:

Multiple

Location:

Arabian Sea, off Pakistan's coastline

Latitude/Longitude: 

24° 21' 1.20" N, 62° 30' 1.80" E  

Vessel Name, Type, Flag & Status

N/A

Incident Type:

Advisory

Crew status

N/A

Incident Details

Description

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has reported that Pakistani naval ships will conduct live firing exercises in designated areas off the coast of Pakistan. The exercises are scheduled to take place from 0300 - 1700 UTC on multiple dates in May 2025: 1st-2nd, 5th-9th, 12th-16th, 19th-23rd, and 26th-30th. Four specific danger areas have been identified: Area A: Bounded by coordinates 24°24'30"N 066°42'00"E, 24°19'00"N 066°58'00"E, 24°00'00"N 066°39'00"E, and 24°11'00"N 066°27'00"E. Area B: Bounded by coordinates 24°36'02"N 062°30'03"E, 24°36'02"N 063°15'03"E, 24°21'02"N 063°15'03"E, and 24°21'02"N 062°30'03"E. Area C: Bounded by coordinates 24°36'02"N 061°45'03"E, 24°36'02"N 062°30'03"E, 24°21'02"N 062°30'03"E, and 24°21'02"N 061°45'03"E. Area D (Depth Charge Firing Area): Bounded by coordinates 24°22'00"N 066°27'00"E, 24°16'30"N 066°33'00"E, 24°10'30"N 066°27'00"E, and 24°16'18"N 066°20'50"E. All vessels are advised to remain clear of these danger areas during the specified times. UKMTO requests that vessels in the vicinity maintain vigilance and report any incidents. Additionally, vessels are asked to inform UKMTO if they experience any interference with radios, radars, or GPS systems.

Response Actions

- Military Incident

- UKMTO

Stolen items

- N/A

Key findings

This series of naval exercises represents a significant and prolonged period of military activity in busy shipping lanes off the Pakistani coast. The use of live fire, including depth charges, indicates comprehensive naval warfare training that may include anti-submarine exercises. The extensive duration and repetition of these exercises over nearly a full month suggest a large-scale naval readiness program or possibly a response to perceived regional threats. The location of these exercises, particularly Areas B and C, extends far into the Arabian Sea, potentially affecting international shipping routes. The depth charge area (Area D) is closer to shore, near Karachi, which may impact local fishing and coastal traffic. The request for vessels to report radio, radar, or GPS interference suggests the possible use of electronic warfare techniques during these exercises, which could have broader implications for maritime navigation and communication in the region.

Recommendations

- Vessels should plan routes to avoid designated danger areas during exercise times.

- Maintain heightened radio watch and be prepared for potential communication disruptions.

- Report any unusual activity or system interference to UKMTO immediately.

Disclaimer
You have received this report as part of your organisation’s subscription. Castor Vali assessment and advice is given based on the information received and processed by us and the surrounding circumstances known to us to exist at the time. Subsequent changes to relevant information or the surrounding circumstances may affect the reliability of our assessment and advice, but we do not accept responsibility for that effect. We do not accept responsibility for the outcome of any action taken or not taken as a result of our assessment and advice unless the possibility of that action being taken or not taken is set out in specific terms in our instructions.

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