Pakistan Issues 3rd Arabian Sea NOTAM in April — 200 km Danger Zone off Karachi as Naval Missile Competition Intensifies

Pakistan Navy issued its third maritime missile warning notice (NOTAM A0228/26, NAVAREA IX Warning 134/26) in April 2026 on April 28, establishing a restricted danger zone more than 200 kilometers off Karachi, extending toward Ormara and Gwadar, valid through April 29. The three-in-a-month cadence — following earlier warnings around April 14–15 and April 20–21 — suggests Pakistan is conducting iterative, phased validation of new naval strike systems rather than routine training. The warnings cover blank corridors in the northern Arabian Sea extending to unlimited altitude, consistent with ballistic or cruise missile trajectories. Pakistan's program is assessed as part of sea-based deterrence development aimed at strengthening asymmetric strategic balance against India's conventionally superior navy. India's response — a simultaneous Arabian Sea NOTAM (April 27–30) plus INS Dhruv deployment — converted each Pakistani test window into an intelligence collection opportunity. Analysts note this 'Battle of NOTAMs' represents a new form of strategic signaling that remains below the threshold of open confrontation while demonstrating escalating maritime military competition in the Arabian Sea.