The Pakistan Navy has long been a key advocate of peace and regional stability. With its unwavering commitment to the principle of ‘peaceful coexistence,’ Pakistan has actively participated in UN Peacekeeping missions, Combined Maritime Task Forces 150 & 151, and various regional and international exercises. Through these efforts, Pakistan demonstrates its dedication to global harmony and cooperation, especially in maritime security.
One of the major initiatives of the Pakistan Navy is the biennial Multinational Exercise AMAN, first launched in 2007. AMAN, which translates to “peace” in Urdu, was created to foster cooperation and collaboration between regional and international navies. The aim of this exercise is to enhance maritime security and interoperability while promoting peaceful coexistence in the seas. This year, the 9th edition of Exercise AMAN, also known as AMAN-25, will take place from February 7 to 11, 2025, in Karachi, Pakistan.
Over the years, AMAN has grown into one of the largest and most important international naval events. The number of participating nations has steadily increased, with AMAN-23 (2023) seeing participation from 50 countries, making it the largest edition to date. This growing global participation reflects the trust the international community places in the Pakistan Navy’s leadership and its efforts to bring navies from different regions together for the common good of maritime security.
In conjunction with AMAN-25, the Pakistan Navy is launching a new initiative: the AMAN Dialogue. This forum will provide senior naval leaders, including Chiefs of Navies, Coast Guards, and Defense Forces, with the opportunity to engage in high-level discussions on regional and global maritime security challenges. The dialogue will also serve as a platform for these leaders to explore innovative solutions to address evolving maritime threats, strengthening the spirit of international cooperation in the process.
The AMAN Dialogue will include seminars and keynote addresses on contemporary maritime issues, as well as opportunities for bilateral and multilateral meetings among participating nations. This initiative aims to promote a shared understanding of maritime security challenges, while also encouraging the formulation of strategies to protect the Blue Economy and enhance overall maritime safety.
Since its inception, Exercise AMAN has steadily gained importance, both for its naval training and its focus on regional security. The primary objectives of the exercise are clear: promote peace, enhance cooperation, and bolster interoperability between the navies of participating countries. Additionally, AMAN emphasizes the importance of collective efforts in combating maritime terrorism, piracy, and other illegal activities at sea. The exercise also provides a valuable opportunity for the countries involved to deliberate on existing maritime security mechanisms and explore new strategies for addressing emerging threats.
The upcoming AMAN-25 exercise will include a range of activities designed to strengthen the naval forces’ preparedness for a variety of maritime security challenges. These activities will be divided into three main categories: Harbour activities, Sea phase activities, and the involvement of Special Operations Forces (SOF) and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams. Harbour activities will include an opening ceremony at the Pakistan Navy Dockyard, international cultural events, and friendly sports matches, while the Sea phase will feature real-time military drills, including counter-piracy demonstrations and live fire exercises. The International Fleet Review (IFR), which will be held at sea on February 11, 2025, is one of the highlights of the exercise. During the IFR, participating forces will demonstrate their operational capabilities through coordinated activities, such as refueling, rocket depth charge firing, and flypasts by air units from Pakistan and participating nations.
The SOF, EOD, and Marine teams will play a key role in AMAN-25, focusing on developing tactics, techniques, and procedures for combating asymmetric threats, such as maritime terrorism. These teams will engage in joint exercises aimed at improving coordination between multinational forces in handling maritime security challenges. Their involvement reflects the evolving nature of maritime threats and the need for a unified global response.
The Pakistan Navy’s commitment to regional and global maritime security continues to make a significant impact on the international stage. AMAN-25, along with the inaugural AMAN Dialogue, will not only enhance cooperation among participating navies but also serve as a testament to Pakistan’s role as a bridge between the East and West. The exercise is a clear indication that, despite the complexities of modern-day security challenges, peace, cooperation, and collaboration remain at the heart of Pakistan’s maritime strategy.
As the international community gathers for AMAN-25, the Pakistan Navy’s efforts to promote peace and stability in the maritime domain are more important than ever. By hosting this prestigious exercise, Pakistan reaffirms its position as a key player in shaping a secure, peaceful, and prosperous maritime future for all nations.
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