Pakistan salutes Navy heroes of 1965 on Navy Day

Pakistan Navy is observing Navy Day to commemorate Operation Somnath, the daring naval strike carried out during the 1965 war.

On the night of 7 September 1965, a flotilla led by the destroyer PNS Babur, along with PNS Khaibar and PNS Badr, advanced towards the Indian coastal town of Dwarka in Gujarat. Their target was a radar station used by the Indian Air Force for guiding attacks against Pakistan.

At midnight, the ships opened fire, bombarding the radar facility and surrounding installations. The strike achieved its objective by disabling the radar, disrupting enemy coordination, and dealing a strong psychological blow. All Pakistani ships safely returned without any casualties, marking the operation as a clean and successful mission. Operation Somnath was Pakistan Navy’s first-ever naval offensive and a turning point in establishing its strength at sea. It demonstrated Pakistan’s ability to strike deep into enemy waters despite limited resources compared to India’s larger navy. The bold action boosted the morale of the armed forces and underlined the Navy’s crucial role in defending the nation.

The submarine PNS Ghazi also played a decisive role during the war, serving as a powerful deterrent and symbolizing Pakistan’s operational superiority at sea. Its presence raised the stakes for any hostile moves against Pakistan. The Dwarka raid remains a symbolic and strategic victory. It showcased the Navy’s operational readiness and proved that Pakistan’s defenses extend beyond land and air. The successful strike reminded the enemy that the Pakistan Navy was fully capable of protecting the country’s sovereignty and striking effectively when required. Navy Day is celebrated each year to honor this legacy of courage and determination.