Pakistan Navy Faces Major Crisis Amid Growing Regional Tensions

The Pakistan Navy is experiencing one of its gravest operational declines in recent history, with only a fraction of its fleet fully functional, according to a recent report by CNN-News18. The revelation comes at a time of heightened regional tensions following the deadly April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which prompted India to launch Operation Sindoor — a sweeping military response that has included aggressive naval deployments near Pakistani waters.

Submarines Down, Surface Ships Docked

According to maritime tracking data and defense sources cited by CNN-News18, the Pakistan Navy is operating with just two serviceable submarines, while most of its surface combatants remain anchored at the Karachi Naval Base. Observers note the conspicuous absence of Pakistani warships at sea, a contrast to the heightened Indian naval activity in the same region.

The bulk of the fleet’s current woes can be traced to its aging inventory. Pakistan’s Type-21 frigates — second-hand vessels acquired from the United Kingdom in the 1990s — are increasingly plagued by maintenance issues. Many of their systems are outdated, no longer supported by original manufacturers, and require expensive workarounds just to remain operational.

New Ships, New Problems

Even newer additions to the fleet have not provided the expected relief. Chinese-built Type-054A frigates, introduced as modern reinforcements, have been hampered by repeated technical issues. CNN-News18 reports that radar malfunctions and propulsion system failures have forced several of these ships back to dry dock for extensive repairs.

A senior defense analyst notes that these problems are indicative of deeper logistical flaws. “There is a mismatch between procurement and maintenance,” the analyst said. “Diversifying suppliers is one thing, but managing such complexity without adequate infrastructure has proven disastrous.”

Maintenance Gridlock and Financial Strain

Pakistan’s strategy of sourcing naval equipment from a wide array of countries — including the U.S., U.K., China, and Turkey — has created a logistical maze. Each platform requires different spare parts, diagnostic tools, and expertise, stretching the capabilities of Pakistan’s naval maintenance facilities.

Karachi Shipyard, the country’s primary repair facility, reportedly lacks the diagnostic software and support infrastructure necessary to service the newer Chinese vessels. Compounding the problem, partnerships with Chinese firms have hit a wall over disagreements regarding cost-sharing and technology transfers.

Meanwhile, ongoing economic pressures have forced budget cuts across Pakistan’s defense sector, further delaying critical maintenance and upgrades.

A Fleet Without Sailors at Sea

Beyond the technical and financial difficulties lies a more human cost. Morale within the Pakistan Navy is reportedly at a low ebb. Many junior officers have spent months stationed aboard ships that haven’t seen open waters, limiting their operational training and professional development.

Cancelled or postponed naval exercises — including key multinational engagements — have reduced Pakistan’s role in regional maritime collaborations. According to defense sources, this has not only dampened morale but also damaged Pakistan’s reputation as a reliable naval partner.

Strategic Fallout in the Arabian Sea

The ramifications of this decline stretch beyond Pakistan’s borders. Analysts warn that the Navy’s deteriorating condition may leave strategic assets such as the Chinese-funded Gwadar Port vulnerable. Without a credible maritime deterrent, these installations could become soft targets amid growing instability.

Meanwhile, the Indian Navy has seized the strategic initiative. Since the launch of Operation Sindoor, Indian warships have stepped up their presence in the Arabian Sea, often conducting patrols in areas previously contested by Pakistan. CNN-News18 notes that Indian vessels are increasingly treating these waters as de facto uncontested zones — a sharp indicator of shifting power dynamics in the region.

Looking Ahead

With growing technical failures, shrinking budgets, and declining morale, the Pakistan Navy finds itself at a crossroads. Without urgent reforms and significant investment, experts warn that the force could lose its ability to project power or even defend its coastline — at a time when regional tensions show no signs of easing.