The Pakistani navy begins an exercise with 50 participating nations today, 10 February. Until 14 February, in addition to the participating naval and naval air forces, special forces will also be working on the basics of maritime warfare. The exercise is divided into two phases, with the port phase (10 - 12 February) comprising socio-cultural activities as well as seminars and working groups to plan operations at sea. Special forces of the Navy (Pakistan Navy Special Services Group (SSG)) will demonstrate their counter-terrorism capabilities.
The 'Pakistan International Maritime Expo and Conference (PIMEC)' is being held in Karachi at the same time. Under the auspices of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, it aims to bring together stakeholders and companies from various maritime sectors to drive the development of the maritime sector in Pakistan and promote the 'blue economy'.
According to official statements, the objectives of the multinational AMAN exercise series are to promote regional cooperation and stability and to improve interoperability. In addition, Aman 23 pursues joint action against terrorism and maritime crime, including piracy.
Pakistani new-build OPV-1900 "Tabuk" of the "Yarmook" class. Photo: Ladies
In addition to the usual programme of naval exercises of this kind (firing sections, weapons deployment exercises and demonstrations, search and rescue), the maritime phase (13-14 February) also includes a section on combating piracy. Specialised forces from the participating nations will also be deployed with the aim of developing tactics, techniques and procedures for joint operations against asymmetric threats at sea.
Details about the participating nations and units have not been made public. China is virtually set as a participant.
Strategic economic interests
In an interview with Global Times, the Inspector General of Pakistan Navy, Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi, emphasised the importance of China to Pakistan. With its "maritime credentials, the participation of the Chinese maritime sector in the first PIMEC provides an ideal opportunity for local and international companies to explore opportunities for co-operation to promote investment in Pakistan's maritime sector."
Beijing and Islamabad have maintained a close dialogue in recent years. The navies work more closely together than the physical distance would suggest. This includes joint exercises as well as extensive defence cooperation. Among other things, the Pakistani navy procured four modern Jiangkai 2 Type 054A/P frigates from China.
Z9EC on-board helicopter. Photo: Pakistan Navy
The port of Gwadar in western Pakistan has been developed into a deep-sea harbour by China. Gwadar becomes part of the economic corridor China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as part of the Silk Road Initiative. In the press conference specially organised to brief about the exercise, Pakistan Navy Commander Admiral Ovais Ahmed Bilgrami elaborated on the three factors on which Pakistan's maritime interests rest: "First, our extraordinary dependence on the seas for trade; second, the implementation of the CPEC project; and third, our strategic location on the global energy highway."
Aman 23 - United in peace
Aman 23 is the eighth such manoeuvre, which has taken place every two years since 2007. In 2011, 28 countries took part in Aman, in 2017 it was 35 countries. Despite Covid, 43 countries took part in 2021. Aman means peace in Urdu. This year, the naval manoeuvre is taking place under the slogan "United in Peace". With initiatives such as Aman, the Pakistani navy is trying to express its philosophy of cooperative maritime security. "Exercise AMAN is thus an expression of this recognised reality of collectively countering maritime threats through cooperation and mutual support and provides tremendous opportunities for participants to shape and practice the contours of such a collective response," said Admiral Ovais Ahmed Bilgrami, Commander of the Fleet.
The Pakistani Navy participates in bilateral and multilateral exercises as well as in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions such as the UN-mandated Combined Maritime Task Forces 150 and 151.
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