Pakistan Navy takes charge of task force 151 for 11th time

The Pakistan Navy has assumed command of Task Force 151 for the 11th time.

According to a statement released by the Pakistan Army's Public Relations Department (ISPR), the command handover ceremony was held at the Combined Maritime Forces Headquarters in Bahrain, where Commodore Sohail Ahmed Azmi of the Pakistan Navy was appointed as the new commander of Combined Task Force-151.

Prior to this, the command had been with the Turkish Navy.

According to the spokesperson of the Pakistan Army, Commodore Sohail Ahmed Azmi stated that the Pakistan Navy will continue to collaborate with the naval forces of other countries to maintain peace and stability in the region.

Combined Task Force-151 ensures maritime security, prevents piracy, and combats terrorism at sea.

The ceremony was attended by the ambassadors of Pakistan and Turkey, along with other diplomatic and military figures.

Afew days ago, Pakistan's navy had taken a significant lead over India in the field of Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology, with further advancements expected.

According to reports, the Pakistan Navy has surpassed the Indian Navy in adopting AIP technology, with Chinese-built Hangor-class submarines set to join its fleet according to schedule.

India’s recent addition of the sixth and final submarine in the P-75 Scorpene project, along with a stealth frigate and guided missile destroyer, is still behind Pakistan’s capabilities.

Despite this, India’s naval fleet remains without any submarines equipped with modern technology, while Pakistan has already integrated three French-made Agosta-90B submarines (PNS Khalid, Saad, and Hamza) into its fleet.

Previously, the Pakistan Navy formally relinquished command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, handing over leadership to Commodore Rodger Ward of the Royal New Zealand Navy in a ceremony at Naval Support Activity, Bahrain.

The event was attended by Vice Admiral George Wikoff, Commander of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), according to a statement from Pakistan Navy’s Directorate General Public Relations.

During its tenure from July 2024 to January 2025, Pakistan Navy played a key role in maritime security operations. Ships of Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Maritime Security Agency independently interdicted three narcotics-laden dhows, collectively seizing approximately 10 tonnes of narcotics worth over $50 million.