Multinational naval exercise begins in Pakistan

ISTANBUL

A biennial multinational naval exercise began in Pakistan on Friday, with participation from 60 countries.

The opening ceremony of the five-day “AMAN (Peace) 25,” was held at Pakistan Navy Dockyard in the coastal city of Karachi and the exercises will run through Feb. 11 in the northern Arabian Sea.

Commander Pakistan Fleet Rear Admiral Abdul Munib underscored Pakistan Navy’s contributions toward collaborative maritime security, a statement said.

With the theme “Secure Seas; Prosperous Future,” this marks the ninth yet biggest edition of the exercise since its launch in 2007.

A key feature of this year’s exercise is the "AMAN Dialogue," bringing together naval chiefs, coast guard heads, and senior maritime leaders from around the world to discuss regional security and formulate joint strategies to address evolving maritime challenges.

The exercise will involve ships, aircraft, special operations forces, explosive ordnance disposal teams, marines, and observers from the participating countries.

The participants will engage in seminars, operational discussions, counter-terrorism demonstrations, and pre-sail planning during the harbor phase of the event before engaging in the sea phase.

The second phase from Feb. 10 would include tactical maneuvers and exercises related to maritime security such as anti-piracy and counter-terrorism, search and rescue, gunnery firings, and air defense exercises.

A highlight of the sea phase is the "International Fleet Review," showcasing participating vessels and their capabilities.

Pakistan Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf, in a statement, emphasized the Pakistan Navy’s role as a “key stakeholder in the Arabian Sea and its initiatives to enhance regional maritime security.”

The inaugural AMAN exercise in 2007, held under the motto “Together for Peace,” saw participation from 28 nations. By 2023, this number grew to 50, including major naval powers.