3 weeks ago
Pakistan deploys drones, hovercraft near Sir Creek with China, Turkey
India and Pakistan are neighbouring countries that share a coastline, and they sometimes disagree about a marshy area called Sir Creek.
A news report says Pakistan is adding more boats, soldiers and flying machines near that area.
The flying machines, called drones, can watch what is happening and can even carry explosives.
Pakistan is getting some of these machines from China and Turkey.
Pakistan says it is doing this to keep itself safe from threats.
But many people worry that having more weapons near the border could make things less safe.
The news report is based on information from people who know about the project.
Not every detail has been officially confirmed.
Both countries are watching each other closely, and other countries are paying attention too.
Pakistan is reportedly expanding naval and military infrastructure near Sir Creek under a new project called 'Ababeel – The Divine Strike.'
The Pakistan Navy has deployed Naval Special Service Group (SSG-N) commandos in the Sir Creek region, sources told CNN-News18.
The deployment includes Turkish drones, modern Chinese hovercraft, high-speed naval boats, and rocket and air defence systems.
China has delivered the first Hangor-class submarine to Pakistan and Islamabad has inducted Tughril-class frigates, the report says.
Field Marshal Asim Munir has been overseeing the modernisation of Pakistan's armed forces and established the National Strategic Command earlier this year.
- Who
- Pakistan's armed forces, including Pakistan Navy's Naval Special Service Group (SSG-N) commandos, overseen by Field Marshal Asim Munir; China and Turkey are supplying military equipment.
- What
- Expansion of naval and military infrastructure near Sir Creek, including drones, hovercraft, naval boats and air defence systems, under the 'Ababeel – The Divine Strike' project.
- Where
- Sir Creek on the India-Pakistan maritime boundary, the Arabian Sea, and marine security posts between Bandha Dhora and Harami Dhoro.
- When
- The report was published recently; the National Strategic Command was established earlier this year, but no exact dates are given.
- Why
- Reportedly to challenge India's naval presence and control external threats while strengthening Pakistan's deterrence capability.
Indian security assessment
Pakistani deterrence framing
Purpose of the military buildup
Indian security assessment
The report frames the expansion as raising security risks along the India-Pakistan maritime boundary and challenging India's naval presence.
Pakistani deterrence framing
Pakistan sources say the project aims to control external threats and strengthen the country's deterrence capability against external threats.
Foreign military support
Indian security assessment
Chinese submarines and frigates and Turkish drones are seen as increasing pressure on India in the Arabian Sea.
Pakistani deterrence framing
China and Turkey are viewed as partners modernising Pakistan's armed forces with advanced military equipment and technology.
Key facts
- Project name
- Ababeel – The Divine Strike
- Location
- Sir Creek and the Arabian Sea (India-Pakistan maritime boundary)
- Deployed forces
- Naval Special Service Group (SSG-N) commandos; marine security posts between Bandha Dhora and Harami Dhoro
- Reported equipment
- Turkish drones, Chinese hovercraft, high-speed naval boats, coastal defence boats, rocket and air defence systems
- Chinese naval supplies
- First Hangor-class submarine; Tughril-class frigates
- Oversight
- Field Marshal Asim Munir; National Strategic Command established earlier this year
- Source
- Top Pakistani sources cited by CNN-News18
Sources
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