IRIA News

Around 50 countries participated in the five-day multinational exercise, called AMAN-23, hosted by the Pakistan Navy in the Arabian Sea. Naval vessels, aircraft, special operation forces, marines, sailors and observers from 50 nations took part in the drills.

The eighth edition of the naval exercise, called AMAN-23, was held from February 10 to 14, 2023. The 50-nation exercise concluded with an International Fleet Review (IFR) and a stunning formation of the AMAN fleet, featuring vessels from Pakistan and other countries. IFR is a ceremonial naval event that involves the gathering of naval ships from various countries to participate in a formal inspection. The event provided an opportunity for naval forces to strengthen cooperation, promote peace and security, and demonstrate their capabilities.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was the chief guest on the event’s final day attended by Pakistan’s Naval Chief Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi. The event was attended by senior military representatives from participating countries, observers, diplomats, and Pakistan Navy officials.

Pakistan Navy Chief Admiral Amjad Khan Niazi stated that “Pakistan Navy has taken the lead in fostering collaborative maritime security in the region”. The AMAN Exercise, which is being biennially held since 2007, “brings together regional and extra-regional navies to establish a secure and conducive maritime environment and promote activities in the region.”

Exercise AMAN-23

The eighth edition of the exercise was aimed at improving cooperation among naval units from different regions in addressing maritime security challenges. The exercise involves enhancing the interoperability between regional and international navies with diverse levels of technological capabilities.

The exercise was conducted in two phases. The harbor phase, which took place from February 10 to 12, consisted of seminars, operational discussions, professional demonstrations, and international gatherings to plan maneuvers at sea. The sea phase, held on February 13 and 14, included tactical maneuvers, exercises in maritime security such as anti-piracy and counter-terrorism, search and rescue, gunnery firing, and air defense exercises to exhibit a unified resolve against illicit activities at sea, including maritime terrorism and piracy.

Participating countries

Navies from 50 countries, including the United States, China, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia, as well as African Union countries, participated in the AMAN-2023 naval exercise. The opening ceremony was held at the Pakistan Navy Dockyard Karachi and featured a vibrant flags-hoisting ceremony with flags from all 50 participating nations.

Chinese Navy – The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) participated in the drills with Type 052D guided-missile destroyer Nanning as well as a vessel-borne helicopter and dozens of marines. China and Pakistan have established a strong naval and maritime relationship in recent years, with Pakistan procuring four advanced Type 054A/P frigates from China. The first two ships, PNS Tughril and PNS Taimur, were inducted into the Pakistan Navy in December 2021 and June 2022 respectively, while the remaining two are expected to join the fleet in 2023.

In a recent interview with Chinese media, Pakistan Navy Chief Admiral Niazi stated that the collaboration between the two countries has been “strengthened with the procurement of F-22P frigates, Fast Attack Craft armed with missiles, helicopters, a survey ship, and medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned combat aerial vehicles. “The ongoing planned induction of Type 054A/Ps and Hangor-class submarines will further cement naval ties between the two countries. The Pakistan Navy will continue to engage Chinese firms to meet its operational requirements in the future.”

Indonesian Navy – The Indonesian Navy participated in the multinational AMAN Exercise 2023 with its warship KRI Raden Eddy Martadinata-331 and crew. Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia Adam Mulawarman Tugio said that the participation of the Indonesian ship is a testament to the strong bond between Indonesia and Pakistan and their commitment to strengthening defense ties. He hoped that the joint naval military exercise would help enhance cooperation among participating countries.

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force – Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) destroyer JS Suzutsuki (DD-117) and staff of the Maritime Staff Office also participated in the AMAN-23. This was the seventh participation of Japanese maritime forces in the AMAN exercise by the Pakistan Navy.

9-14 FEB, JS SUZUTSUKI and Staff of Maritime Staff Office🇯🇵 participated in a multilateral exercise #AMAN23 hosted by the @PakistanNavy🇵🇰 in order to strengthen cooperation and to realize a #FOIP.
The JMSDF has participated in AMAN since 2009, and this is the 7th time. pic.twitter.com/2By9tBgc3Z

— Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (@jmsdf_pao_eng) February 15, 2023

Meeting with US officials – At the sidelines of the exercise, Pakistan Navy Chief Admiral Niazi met thhe Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Vice Admiral Brad Cooper and discussed regional maritime security and bilateral maritime cooperation. Both officials sides expressed determination to further promote mutual naval and defense relations between the two countries. Admiral Niazi also U.S. Ambassador Donald Blome, who also attended the event in Karachi.

‘Together for Peace’

Commander Pakistan Fleet, Vice Admiral Ovais Ahmed Bilgrami, said that the flags of 50 participating countries from across the globe fluttering together “is an embodiment of the Exercise motto which is ‘Together for Peace’”. AMAN means peace in Urdu. The exercise also “helps foster friendships, bridging gaps and making it possible for countries to operate together in the pursuance of shared objectives,” Bilagram said. As a maritime nation, Pakistan had “substantial stakes” in keeping the seas safe and secure, he said. “Our interests are based on three major factors. Firstly, our extraordinary dependence on the seas for trade, secondly, operationalization of the CPEC [China Pakistan Economic Corridor] project and thirdly, our strategic location astride the global energy highway” which made maritime stability a “vital national security interest.”

#CNS Adm Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi visited participating ships of foreign navies of 8th Multinational Ex #AMAN2023. Naval Chief interacted with COs of respective ships & highlighted Pak contributions in regional peace. pic.twitter.com/8xxnYMbNPH

— DGPR (Navy) (@dgprPaknavy) February 11, 2023

Maritime expo and conference

In addition to the naval exercise, the National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA) organized the Pakistan International Maritime Expo and Conference (PIMEC) – an initiative of the Pakistan Navy. PIMEC is aimed at showcasing the potential of Pakistan’s maritime sector and highlighting the role the maritime industry can play in the development of the nation’s blue economy. The event aims to bring together domestic and international stakeholders from diverse maritime fields to identify and capitalize on the significant opportunities presented by the blue economy.