(Written by Ali Basit)
As per the US Department of Defence (DoD), operational readiness is defined as
“the capability of a unit/formation, ship, weapon system, or equipment to perform the
missions or functions for which it is organized or designed.” The concept refers to the
state of military readiness, where military forces acquire the capability during peace time
through conducting military war games, a military simulations in which theories of
warfare are tested and refined for actual war like scenarios, in order to perform their
designated tasks for what they are intended to do. Readiness therefore, defined as “the
ability of military forces to fight and meet the demands of assigned missions.” Moreover,
it is an understanding of framing a series of choices by the Armed Forces in a peace
time to frame operational decisions and risks. However, essential is the operational and
structural military readiness, refers how the joint forces in synergy applies combat
readiness.
Entrusted with the dynamic role of defending the sea borders of the motherland,
Pakistan Navy, underscores the high standards of sea defence capability and
professional competency. Over the past few years, Pakistan Navy has seen
transformation in its interests to comply by the progressive requirements of its coastal
defense and unleashed its imperative role at global level by being tied to strings of
collaborative efforts synergized by multinational navies in the Indian Ocean Region
(IOR). Notwithstanding the dynamic role of Pakistan Navy at home, to keep at
multinational cooperation, it always stand by the international obligation to ensure
security in the maritime environment, thereby contributing to stability and prosperity on a
regional and at a global level. Therefore, it has gained a prominent position as a
region's professional naval force.
In order to strengthen interoperability at sea, Pakistan Navy regularly conducts
numerous naval exercises to test and enhance its capabilities. In this latest leg,
Pakistan Navy has recently, conducted maritime exercise called SEASPARK-2020. It is
a joint services exercise conducted biennially. The primary goal of this exercise is to
examine Pakistan Navy's operational plans, assess operational readiness and improve
interoperability and collaboration among the Armed forces of Pakistan through
simulating a real war like scenario in which the tri-services collectively participate.
The exercise further aims to have effective operational coordination in order to
chalk out synergized strategic war plans. This exercise also provides Pakistan Navy’s
combat units an opportunity to increase their operational agility to meet future maritime
security challenges at sea. These challenges includes numerous threats. The
SEASPARK- 2020 exercise is being held in the North Arabian Sea stretching along
Pakistan’s Coast from Jiwani to Sir Creek. All Pakistan Navy’s operational ships,
aircrafts, submarines, UAVs, Pakistan Marines, Special Forces along with elements of
Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA), Pakistan Army and Pakistan Air Force
participated in the exercise.
During the exercise review were being simulated. Other than the aim of
enhancing operational readiness, the exercise additionally centered on defence of the
seacoast and countermeasures against emanating traditional threats. To conclude, the
SEASPARK-2020 exercise will strengthen Pakistan's resolve to maintain peace,
security and stability in the region. Moreover, it will further boost Pakistan Navy’s
combat readiness and support its commitment to protect national maritime interests in
peace and war time.