Pakistan Navy Conducts Successful LY-80(N) Missile Test

News Desk 

Islamabad: The Pakistan Navy on Saturday successfully test-fired the LY-80(N) surface-to-air missile during a major naval exercise in the North Arabian Sea, demonstrating its advanced air defence, precision strike, and unmanned warfare capabilities, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The exercise, witnessed by the Commander Pakistan Fleet, featured the successful live firing of the LY-80(N) surface-to-air missile from a vertical launching system at an extended range, validating the long-range operational effectiveness of the Pakistan Navy’s modern air defence systems.

“LY-80(N) SAM successfully engaged and neutralised an aerial target, demonstrating Pakistan Navy’s robust air defence capabilities,” the ISPR said.

In addition to air defence operations, the Pakistan Navy also showcased its precision strike capabilities by successfully engaging surface targets using Loitering Munition (LM). The military’s media wing stated that the LM accurately destroyed designated targets, highlighting its effectiveness in contemporary maritime warfare.

“The Loitering Munition successfully engaged and destroyed surface targets, showcasing its effectiveness in modern naval warfare,” the statement added.

The exercise further included open-sea trials of an Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV), confirming its high-speed performance, extreme manoeuvrability, precision navigation, and resilience in challenging weather conditions. According to ISPR, the trials validated the platform’s ability to combine mission-critical durability with advanced operational performance.

“Key capabilities demonstrated include extreme manoeuvrability, precision navigation, and weather resilience,” ISPR said, adding that the USV offers a low-risk, high-impact solution with the stealth of a tactical interceptor.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf lauded the officers and sailors for their professionalism and operational competence. He reaffirmed the Pakistan Navy’s commitment to ensuring the seaward defence of Pakistan and safeguarding national maritime interests under all circumstances.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also congratulated the Pakistan Navy’s scientists and engineers on the successful missile test, terming it a major milestone in the country’s defence capabilities.

He said that under the leadership of Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal General Asim Munir and Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Pakistan had achieved another significant accomplishment in the defence sector.

He described the achievement as a “reliable step towards strengthening the defence of Pakistan’s maritime borders” and extended congratulations to the nation.

President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to the professionalism of the Pakistan Navy on the successful test of the LY-80(N) missile and loitering munition. Congratulating the Navy on the comprehensive exercise in the North Arabian Sea, the President expressed satisfaction over the effective performance of modern air defence, surface-to-air attack, and autonomous systems.

He said the successful open-sea trials of the Unmanned Surface Vessel marked a significant step towards strengthening the defence of Pakistan’s maritime borders and praised the operational readiness of Pakistan Navy officers and personnel.

Meanwhile, Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq congratulated the nation, engineers, and personnel of the Pakistan Navy on the successful missile test.

He paid rich tribute to their professional competence, dedication, and technical expertise, calling the test a clear manifestation of the Navy’s strong and effective air defence system.

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Ayaz Sadiq said the successful firing of the LY-80 missile had further strengthened the country’s defence capabilities and reflected the commendable role of the Pakistan Navy in enhancing national defence preparedness. He reaffirmed that Pakistan’s armed forces remained fully prepared to safeguard the country’s borders and sovereignty.

The recent naval trials follow similar achievements by Pakistan’s armed forces in recent months. On January 3, the Pakistan Air Force conducted a successful flight test of the indigenously developed Taimoor Weapon System, capable of accurately striking land and sea targets at a distance of 600 kilometers. In November 2025, the Pakistan Navy also successfully tested an indigenously developed anti-ship ballistic missile launched from a ship.

The LY-80(N) missile is capable of engaging both aerial and surface targets with high accuracy and features advanced guidance technology and enhanced manoeuvrability, enabling it to operate effectively in complex maritime environments.