THE war in the Gulf rages on since the US-Israeli strike on Iran, creating chaos and mayhem.

Beyond the destruction of Iranian cities, the threatened closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the devastation inflicted on Iranian naval and cargo vessels have thrust fresh challenges upon Pakistan’s maritime frontier. For a nation whose economic lifelines run through the Arabian Sea, the crisis is not distant—it is existential. Under Admiral Naveed Ashraf, the Pakistan Navy (PN) is pursuing modernization and indigenization, while preparing to meet India’s adventurism with asymmetric resolve.

The Strait of Hormuz is the world’s most critical energy artery, with nearly one-fifth of global oil passing through its narrow waters. Any closure—whether partial or prolonged—would spike energy prices and reroute maritime traffic, creating insecurity across the Arabian Sea. For Pakistan—whose Gwadar port anchors the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the broader “Blue Economy”—instability at Hormuz threatens both economic aspirations and strategic depth. Alfred Thayer Mahan, the great naval strategist, observed: “Whoever controls the sea has command of everything.” For Pakistan, maritime security is not peripheral but foundational.

The escalation has already taken a heavy toll. At least three commercial tankers have been damaged in the Gulf, with one seafarer killed. Over 200 vessels have dropped anchor around Hormuz to avoid risk, while major shipping lines reroute vessels around Africa. Insurance premiums have surged, underscoring the vulnerability of merchant shipping in times of conflict. Yet the most dramatic incident occurred far from Hormuz: the sinking of the Iranian Navy frigate IRIS Dena off the coast of Galle, Sri Lanka. Returning from ceremonial duties in India and not geared for combat, the vessel was torpedoed by a US fast-attack submarine. Carrying approximately 180 crew members, the frigate went down 20 nautical miles south of Galle. Authorities recovered several bodies and rescued 32 wounded sailors, while nearly 100 remain missing. The Pentagon hailed this as the first naval vessel destroyed by a torpedo since World War II. However, history records otherwise: on 9 December 1971, Pakistan Navy’s submarine Hangor sank the Indian frigate Khukri off Gujarat, marking the first successful submarine kill since WWII. That victory remains a testament to PN’s prowess and a reminder that Pakistan has long mastered asymmetric maritime warfare. The attack on IRIS Dena has also raised serious moral and legal questions. The frigate was not engaged in combat but returning from a diplomatic exercise, making its destruction unjustifiable under international law. Iran condemned the strike as an “atrocity at sea,” pointing to the heavy loss of life. Opposition voices in India criticized Prime Minister Modi for remaining silent, arguing that India failed to protect its guest. The frigate had participated in ceremonies at Vishakhapatnam and its sinking while returning home placed a moral obligation on India to speak out. Modi’s silence was seen as a diplomatic lapse, undermining India’s credibility as a responsible regional power. The episode highlights the dangers of escalating maritime conflict and the need for principled positions in times of crisis.

In a recent meeting, the Chief of Naval Staff displayed clarity on force goals and awareness of Pakistan’s vulnerabilities and strengths. Despite India’s overwhelming numerical superiority in ships, submarines and aircraft, PN is determined to fight valiantly, leveraging quality, innovation and jointness rather than sheer numbers. His vision rests not only on technology but on manpower—hard training, motivation and morale.

The modern battlefield is multidomain, where satellites provide real-time intelligence, cyberwarfare disrupts adversary networks and AI enhances decision-making speed. Pakistan need not match India ship for ship, but it can invest in asymmetric capabilities—stealth submarines, precision strike drones, cyber defences and satellite-enabled maritime domain awareness.

The Israeli strike on Iran has created chaos that opportunistic actors may exploit. India, emboldened by naval expansion and Hindutva-driven assertiveness, could test Pakistan’s resolve in the Arabian Sea. Whether through aggressive patrolling or limited incursions, Indian adventurism cannot be discounted. Pakistan’s preoccupation with counterterrorism operations in Afghanistan adds to the risk, stretching national bandwidth across multiple fronts. Yet history cautions against underestimating Pakistan’s resilience.

Pakistan’s pursuit of a Blue Economy—harnessing maritime resources for sustainable growth—cannot succeed without robust naval security. Fisheries, offshore energy and maritime trade are vulnerable if the PN lacks credible deterrence. PN’s force goals include indigenization of platforms, acquisition of advanced frigates and submarines and integration of unmanned systems. These are not mere military ambitions; they are economic imperatives. K M Panikkar, the Indian naval thinker, once wrote: “A nation’s freedom is dependent on its command of the sea routes.” For Pakistan, this dictum resonates profoundly. The closure of Hormuz also compels Pakistan to recalibrate its diplomatic posture. Coordination with China, Turkey and other allies becomes essential, not only for energy security but also for maritime stability. Joint exercises, intelligence sharing and cooperative patrols could enhance deterrence while signalling Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace.

The Israeli strike on Iran and the closure of Hormuz are stark reminders that Pakistan’s maritime frontier is inseparable from global geopolitics. By pursuing indigenization and jointness, learning from multinational wargames and anchoring its vision in the Blue Economy, the PN charts a course of resilience and relevance. Mahan’s dictum echoes across the Arabian Sea: command of the sea is command of destiny. For Pakistan, the challenge is formidable, but the resolve is clear. In the shadow of Hormuz, Pakistan’s Navy stands as both shield and spear—steadfast in faith, silent in service, unwavering in guardianship of the nation.

—The writer, Retired Group Captain of PAF, is author of several books on China.

© Pakistan Observer