KARACHI: The Pakistan Navy is scheduled to conduct a 10-day live weapon firing exercise in the Arabian Sea off the Makran Coast, with maritime and aviation authorities issuing warnings and designating specific areas as danger zones.
According to maritime and aviation notifications, the exercise will take place in two separate areas off the Ormara coast between September 26 and October 5, 2026. The restrictions have been issued through relevant Pakistan Navy Hydrographic Department and Civil Aviation Authority channels to ensure the safety of vessels and aircraft operating in the affected areas.
The first danger zone, covered under NOTAM A3226/26 and Warning No. 322/26, is located approximately five nautical miles south of Ormara near Jinnah Naval Base, PNS Ahsan. The designated area extends within a five-nautical-mile radius offshore from the Ormara coast.
According to the notification, live weapon firing in the first area is scheduled from September 26 to September 30, with activities taking place daily between 0800 and 1700 UTC. Unauthorised vessels and other traffic have been warned against entering the restricted area while firing is underway.
A second and larger danger zone has been notified under NOTAM A3296/26 and Warning No. 329/26. The area is located around 45 nautical miles southeast of Ormara, in the maritime region between Ormara and Karachi.
The second exercise area covers approximately 40 nautical miles by 25 nautical miles. Live firing activities in this zone are scheduled from September 29 to October 5 and will operate continuously from 0000 to 2400 UTC each day.
The National Hydrographic Office and aviation authorities have advised aircraft and vessels, including fishing boats, commercial ships and other maritime traffic, to remain clear of the designated danger zones during the specified periods.
Mariners operating along the Makran Coast have also been advised to exercise caution and monitor navigational warnings before entering the affected maritime areas.
The temporary restrictions are intended to prevent unauthorised movement into the exercise areas and reduce risks to maritime and aviation traffic during live firing activities.
According to defence sources cited in the report, the exercise is part of routine operational preparedness and weapon testing. Such drills provide an opportunity for naval units to assess operational procedures, test systems and maintain readiness for maritime security requirements.
Vessels requiring additional information or navigational guidance have been advised to contact Ormara Naval Control on VHF Channel 16.
The exercise highlights the importance of monitoring official maritime and aviation warnings for vessels and aircraft operating in the Arabian Sea during the notified periods.
