The conduct of Exercise SEA GUARD 2026 is a significant step in Pakistan’s efforts to secure its maritime frontiers. Scheduled from 2 to 9 February 2026, the exercise is being spearheaded by Pakistan Navy Coastal Command with the participation of national stakeholders through the Joint Maritime Information Coordination Centre (JMICC).
The exercise covers major maritime zones, including Karachi, Ormara, Gwadar, adjoining coastal areas and areas at sea.
The conduct of this exercise will demonstrate Pakistan Navy’s resolve to ensure maritime safety and security through a collaborative approach.
The exercise brings together a broad spectrum of stakeholders tasked with maritime law enforcement, port and harbour security, disaster management, environmental protection and intelligence coordination.
In addition to Pakistan Navy, assets and personnel from Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA), Pakistan Coast Guards (PCG) and port and shipping authorities/operators are also participating in the exercise.
Exercise SEA GUARD 2026 has been designed to replicate real-world maritime incidents. Participants are being challenged with dynamic and evolving scenarios requiring rapid assessment and coordinated action. These include suspicious maritime activities, emergencies at sea and threats to port and coastal infrastructure. These scenarios provide participating agencies an opportunity to test their operational readiness and crisis management procedures under real-time situations.
A key objective of the exercise is the enhancement of Maritime Domain Awareness, a critical enabler of effective maritime security. Through integrated surveillance and information-sharing mechanisms, participants demonstrate the capability to monitor maritime activities and respond to contingencies.
JMICC plays a central role in fusing information from multiple sources to ensure a Common Operating Picture towards a common goal, i.e., reducing response times and enhancing decision-making.
Search and Rescue (SAR) operations form a major component of Exercise SEA GUARD 2026. Simulated distress situations at sea will test coordination between Pakistan Navy ships, maritime agencies and shore-based authorities.
During the exercise, special attention is being paid on rehearsing responses against non-traditional threats such as illegal trafficking, piracy, smuggling and maritime terrorism. These threats, which are often operating below the threshold of conventional conflict, are pose serious risks to maritime safety and security.
The exercise highlights the importance of Maritime Domain Awareness in safeguarding Pakistan’s sea lanes and coastal waters.
Besides operational dividends, Exercise SEA GUARD 2026 serves as a platform to influence capacity-building initiatives and technological investments.
As maritime challenges are evolving, Pakistan Navy’s commitment to maritime safety and security through continuous training and inter-agency collaboration has remained a cornerstone of its maritime security strategy.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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