The Pakistan Navy has completed a four-day multinational exercise and seminar in the North Arabian Sea, intended to enhance peace and stability in the region.
Around 24 warships, 25 aircraft and special operation forces from 13 countries have participated in the exercise to boost their naval forces’ operational capabilities.
The exercise was conducted in two phases, including the coast and port special operation forces’ drills as well as the ship-aircraft joint maritime drills.
Featuring a range of drills, the sea phase involved a special operations demonstration, gunnery trials and anti-surface warfare exercises.
In addition, participating forces’ also trained to develop and practice response tactics, techniques and procedures against asymmetric and traditional threats during sea phase of the exercise.
The participating navy personnel exchanged ideas and techniques, while extending to special operations.
Pakistan Navy’s two F-22P Zulfiquar-class frigates conducted simulated replenishment exercises with its Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate and a tanker.
The US Navy’s Northrop Grumman-built Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, USS William P Lawrence (DDG-110), as well as China Navy’s replenishment vessel, destroyer and frigate also participated in the exercise.
Initiated in 2007, the Aman series of multinational exercises aim to boost interoperability and demonstrate allied nation’s capabilities to fight terrorism and other maritime threats such as piracy.
The fourth in the biannual series, Aman-13 has also been designed as a common platform for sharing of information and mutual understanding, as well as to identify fields of common interest.
In addition to Pakistan, the drill involved navies from Australia, Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, UAE, the UK and the US, as well as 20 observer nations.
Image: Pakistan Navy’s F-22P Zulfiquar-class frigate conducted simulated replenishment exercises during Aman-13. Photo: courtesy of Mak Hon Keong.
