Operation Somnath Pakistan Navy’s Historic 1965 Dwarka Strike
Pakistan Navy Marks Historic Operation Somnath
Islamabad — Today marks the anniversary of Operation Somnath, a daring naval offensive during the 1965 Pakistan-India war that showcased the Pakistan Navy’s strength and determination.
In the heat of the September 1965 conflict, Pakistan launched its first-ever naval strike, targeting India’s coastal town of Dwarka in Gujarat. On the night of 7 September 1965, a flotilla led by the destroyer PNS Babur, along with PNS Khaibar and PNS Badr, advanced deep into enemy waters with a clear mission — to neutralize the radar installation that was aiding Indian Air Force operations against Pakistan.
At midnight, the ships opened fire, shelling the radar station and nearby facilities. The strike successfully disabled the system, disrupting India’s air operations and delivering a major psychological setback to the enemy. Importantly, all Pakistani vessels returned to base safely without suffering any casualties.
The operation carried significance far beyond the immediate tactical gain. Despite operating with fewer resources compared to India’s larger navy, Pakistan demonstrated its capability to carry out precise and bold strikes in hostile waters. The mission not only boosted the morale of the armed forces but also underlined the Navy’s role in protecting the nation’s defense.
During the same war, Pakistan’s submarine PNS Ghazi also stood out as a formidable deterrent, reinforcing the country’s naval superiority and raising the cost for any hostile moves.
The Dwarka raid, remembered as both a symbolic and strategic success, remains a defining chapter in Pakistan Navy’s history — a reminder that its defense capabilities extend far beyond land and air, reaching deep into the seas when the nation calls.
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