08 Jul Pakistan Navy in crisis after Op Sindoor: Weak surveillance, failure to track threats, and low morale cripple naval operations
Technical failures leave ships docked, officers under-trained
News18 reports that most of Pakistan’s surface warships, including British-origin Type-21 frigates and newer Chinese Type-054A vessels, are stuck in port due to a lack of spare parts and technical problems. Karachi shipyard is unable to support maintenance needs due to the fleet’s diverse origins, British, American, Turkish, and Chinese.
Despite initial expectations, Chinese-built frigates have been troubled by frequent issues in radar systems and propulsion engines. Submarine operations have also declined, with only two submarines currently active.
Leadership and training within the Navy are also under pressure. Officers are often posted on non-operational ships, limiting their experience. News18 states that routine naval drills are being cancelled or delayed due to a shortage of available vessels, further weakening the force’s preparedness.
Surveillance systems failing across radar, sonar, infrared
The situation is worsened by the navy’s growing sensor failures. A report by Times Now highlights breakdowns in radar, sonar, and infrared systems that affect the navy’s ability to monitor maritime threats.
Radar systems often face calibration problems and have outdated software. Sonar equipment—especially in Agosta‑90B submarines—is reported to have poor acoustic detection. Infrared platforms, such as FLIR and night vision devices, are obsolete or incompatible with other naval systems.
During recent joint naval exercises, Pakistan Navy personnel failed to track mock threats, raising doubts among partner countries. Many ships remain grounded due to a lack of spare parts, with sanctions and budget cuts further slowing repairs.
India expands patrols, surveillance edge grows
India has used this shift to its advantage. Since Operation Sindoor, Indian naval patrols have increased in areas once monitored by Pakistan. According to News18, this expanded presence enhances India’s deterrence capability and strengthens its influence in the Arabian Sea.
The sensor gaps in Pakistan’s navy have also created problems for China. The Gwadar port—seen as a key part of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative—now faces maritime security risks. News18 reports that several multilateral exercises involving Pakistan have been cancelled, reducing its standing as a regional naval partner.
Meanwhile, India is upgrading its surveillance systems, including AESA radars, new sonar technologies, and integrated platforms like the Information Management and Analysis Centre (IMAC), widening the gap further.
Limited funds and ageing ships deepen the problem
Experts quoted in News18 blame long-standing funding issues and reliance on outdated platforms. The Pakistan Navy receives the smallest share of the military budget, with funds often five to seven times less than the Army’s share.
Western-origin ships are old and hard to maintain, and geopolitical barriers limit Pakistan’s ability to import newer platforms. Even Chinese systems, while available, often lack the ability to integrate with existing assets or be upgraded easily.
A strategic weakness that goes beyond technology
Beyond technical faults, the sensor crisis in the Pakistan Navy is seen as a deeper strategic issue. In modern warfare, control over information and surveillance is critical. Without reliable sensors, a navy cannot effectively defend or deter.
News18 concludes that to recover, Pakistan must invest urgently in building a modern surveillance system. Until then, India’s strengthened naval presence after Operation Sindoor leaves the Arabian Sea firmly under its watch, while Pakistan works to recover from a growing operational vacuum.