AMAN-25 multinational exercise kicks off

AMAN-25 multinational exercise kicks off highlighting global commitment towards maritime security.

Pakistan’s AMAN-25 multinational naval exercise commenced on Friday with a flag-hoisting ceremony in Karachi. The Pakistan Navy’s fleet commander highlighted the participation of 60 nations as a strong indication of the global commitment to peace.

Held every two years since 2007, the AMAN maritime exercise operates under the theme “Together For Peace,” featuring ships, aircraft, and special operations forces.

A key addition to this year’s exercise is the inaugural AMAN Dialogue, themed “Secure Seas, Prosperous Future.” The dialogue focuses on security challenges in the Indian Ocean, including strategic competition, piracy, drug trafficking, non-state actors, resource exploitation, climate change, emerging technologies like AI and unmanned systems, the blue economy, and the importance of global cooperation for stability and prosperity.

“This year marks a milestone with a record 60 countries participating,” Rear Admiral Abdul Munib expressed his thoughts after the event. He emphasized that the strong participation reflects the global community’s shared commitment to peace. He further noted that when the AMAN exercise was first launched in 2007, strategic leadership was not involved, prompting Pakistan’s naval chief to introduce the AMAN Dialogue to bridge this gap.

“This was his vision, where he envisioned bringing like-minded nations together. Now, many countries are represented by their top naval, coast guard, and defense officials,” he further added. Speaking at the ceremony, attended by international naval officials, he stated that the dialogue aims to foster a common understanding of maritime security challenges and their connection to the blue economy.

In a video message released by the Pakistan Navy, a Saudi official expressed pride in the Royal Saudi Navy’s participation in the exercise. “Our participation reflects our dedication to maritime security,” said Brigadier (Staff) Bander Hamad S. Al-Hokubani, the Saudi military attaché in Islamabad. He emphasized that the exercise serves as a crucial multinational effort to strengthen maritime cooperation and address shared security challenges.

The Pakistan Navy stated that the exercise will take place in two phases: a harbor phase from February 7-9, followed by a sea phase from February 10-11. The latter will include search-and-rescue operations, live weapon firings, and an international fleet review.

Key activities will feature a maritime counterterrorism demonstration by the Special Service Group (SSG) and Pak Marines, professional discussions, and ship visits.

According to the Pakistan Navy’s press statement, an International Fleet Review is scheduled for February 11, 2025, alongside sea exercises to tackle collaborative security threats. Special operations forces, explosive ordnance disposal teams, and marine units will work together to develop tactics, techniques, and procedures for multinational responses to asymmetric threats.