Pakistan Navy Deploys PNS Behr Masah In Joint Ocean Mission With China: Science And Strategy At Sea!
Pakistan and Chinese navies have worked closely through joint exercises, training and research initiatives. Image courtesy: AI-generated picture via Sora
The growing defence ties between Pakistan and China are no secret. It was also widely reported that Islamabad used China-made advanced weapons, including air-defence systems, missiles, and fighter jets during Operation Sindoor, the four-day military conflict with India, which New Delhi had launched in May 2025 in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack.
Pakistan’s navy on Tuesday (January 6, 2025) announced the deployment of its survey vessel PNS Behr Masah to support a Pakistan–China Joint Oceanographic Cruise, signalling expanding cooperation between the two countries in marine science and maritime operations.
The Pakistan Navy said the mission is being facilitated through its National Hydrographic Office (NHO) and conducted by the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) in collaboration with China’s Second Institute of Oceanography.
Why is PNS Behr Masah central to the mission?
According to the NHO, Pakistan Navy’s PNS Behr Masah is a dedicated hydrographic survey ship capable of undertaking oceanographic and geophysical surveys, making it a key asset for mapping and studying Pakistan’s coastal and offshore waters.
It’s deployment reflects its commitment to maritime domain awareness and to facilitating marine scientific research in national waters, according to the Pakistan Navy.
Pak-China marine mission: What are the scientific goals?
The joint cruise aims to deepen understanding of the marine environment in Pakistani waters, with a particular focus on the North Arabian Sea. Research findings ofare expected to improve insights into coastal and offshore marine dynamics, helping policymakers better assess environmental patterns and plan maritime activities.
“These outcomes will support informed maritime planning and policymaking,” the Pakistan Navy said, adding that the mission will also contribute to broader regional knowledge of oceanographic conditions.
Beyond data collection, the initiative offers capacity-building opportunities for Pakistani scientists.As part of joint mission, Pakistani researchers will be able to analyse samples in Chinese laboratories, a facility currently unavailable domestically due to the lack of advanced and expensive equipment.
Pakistani personnel will also receive training in ocean equipment innovation, onboard data collection techniques, equipment operation and post-cruise laboratory analysis, strengthening local expertise in marine sciences.
How does marine research link to military cooperation?
While officially scientific, the mission reflects a wider pattern of Pakistan–China naval collaboration, where research, training and operational coordination increasingly intersect. The two navies regularly conduct joint exercises, training programmes and research initiatives aimed at enhancing maritime security and interoperability.
Oceanographic data, analysts note, has dual-use value, supporting not only civilian maritime governance but also naval operations, submarine deployments and maritime surveillance.
Growing Pakistan–China defence ties
The oceanographic cruise comes amid deepening military and defence cooperation between Islamabad and Beijing. A major component of this partnership is Pakistan’s acquisition of eight Hangor-class submarines under a 2015 agreement with China. In December last year, Pakistan launched the fourth Hangor-class submarine, PNS Ghazi, at a Chinese shipyard in Wuhan, underlining China’s pivotal role in strengthening Pakistan’s undersea warfare capabilities.
