Two Saudi warships, HMS Jazan and HMS Hail, will participate in Pakistan’s AMAN-25 Naval Exercise, scheduled from 7 to 11 February in the Northern Arabian Sea, a senior Pakistani navy official confirmed on Tuesday.
The AMAN exercise, which was held two -year since 2007, is a multinational naval drill organized by the Pakistani Navy to improve regional maritime security and interoperability among the Allied forces.
This year, AMAN-25 is expected to contain nearly 60 countries with activities performed in two stages: a port phase from 7 to 9 February, followed by a sea phase from 10 to 11 February, which will include search and rescue operations, live arms firing and an international naval review.
Back Admiral Abdul Munib, Commander of the Pakistani Navy, emphasized the importance of strong maritime ties with Saudi Arabia, which highlighted the participation of the royal Saudi naval forces in the exercise.
“Saudi Arabia is a brotherly country,” Munib said, adding that Pakistan also shares close marking relationships with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), both of which will be actively involved in AMAN-25.
In addition to the two Saudi ships, the kingdom’s special operations (sofa) and underwater demolition (UWD) also participate in the exercise. UAE sends a ship and its own sofa and UWD teams.
Over 200 international observers are expected to participate and strengthen the global importance of the exercise.
Munib also highlighted the role of the AMAN dialogue, a forum that runs with the exercise where naval managers, coastal guards and defense officials from participating countries will exchange insights and discuss maritime security strategies.
“More than just a military exercise embodies Aman Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to regional stability, secure sea and counter -unconventional threats,” Munib said.
He added that the exercise aims to strengthen interoperability and promote information sharing among regional and extra-regional fleet, which strengthens the shared responsibility for maritime security.
This year’s AMAN-25 is set to be an important platform to improve cooperation between the world’s fleet focusing on tackling new maritime challenges.
