Preparing to introduce UAVs to aid serach, rescue operations across coastal waters
KARACHI:
The merciless waters of the Arabian Sea, where fishing rigs and merchant vessels routinely brave strong winds and towering waves, are ready to receive a new guardian.
As accidents involving fishing launches and cargo vessels continue to challenge maritime responders amid strong winds and towering waves, Pakistan is preparing to introduce unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to transform search and rescue operations across its coastal waters.
The Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (KSA) has decided to deploy high-speed drones equipped with advanced cameras and sensors to monitor maritime emergencies, provide real-time situational awareness and assist rescue teams operating within a radius of 200 nautical miles or about 360 kilometers.
Deputy Director General MSA Commodore Syed Nauman Ali said the drones will play a central role during maritime accidents, guiding operational teams, identifying exact locations and transmitting live video feeds from incident sites. The system will also enable rescuers to drop life jackets and flotation bags directly to people struggling in the water.
Until now, first rescue efforts have relied on low-capacity Defender aircraft whose deployment depended on weather conditions, fuel availability and clearance from air traffic control, often delaying operations at critical times. The new drone fleet, expected to become operational by the end of this year, aims to remove these limitations and enable faster and more flexible responses.
According to Commodore Nauman Ali, preparations for the project have been completed and the unmanned systems will soon be integrated into the agency’s maritime fleet.
Once deployed, the drones will instantly reach disaster zones, relay audio and video updates to command centers and continuously guide rapid response boats and helicopters equipped with human extraction game systems.
The drones will also remain airborne over rescue sites to provide continuous operational support, allowing teams on the ground and at sea to coordinate movements with greater precision. Emergency kits, together with flotation devices, can be delivered directly to persons in distress while larger rescue assets are mobilised.
A UAV, commonly known as a drone, operates without an onboard pilot and instead relies on remote control, computer systems or autopilot technology. These aircraft are guided through satellite links and GPS, with some capable of autonomous route identification.
They are equipped with high-resolution and thermal cameras that enable the detection of heat signatures even at night, while radar sensors allow visibility through rain, darkness and high waves.
