Pakistan Navy has been hosting Multinational Naval Exercise AMAN biennially since 2007 which has a global outlook. With AMAN Exercise PN seeks to enhance interoperability between regional and extra regional navies as a means of promoting peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond. This Exercise also provides a unique training opportunity to develop and practice response tactics which helps participants foster and sustain the mutual relationships that are conducive to ensure the safe and secured sea lanes on the world’s oceans.
Exercise AMAN-17 was conducted by PN from 10-14 Feb 17 at Karachi which was fifth of Multinational Exercise AMAN series. The participation details of AMAN-07, 09, 11 and 13 are as follows:
AMAN-07
First Exercise was held in March 2007 in which a total of 29 countries participated with naval assets and 29 observers. 14 ships from Bangladesh, China, France, Italy, Malaysia and UK joined the exercise. In addition, Special Operations Forces (SOFs), Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams from Bangladesh, Turkey and USA also participated.
AMAN-09
The second Exercise was held in March 2009 in which a total of 24 countries with naval assets and 35 observers. 14 ships from Australia, Bangladesh, China, France, Malaysia, UK, and USA and 02 x aircraft (P-3C) from Japan participated in the exercise. In addition, SOF/ EOD teams from Bangladesh, China, Nigeria, Turkey and USA and also participated in the exercise.
AMAN-11
The third Exercise of the AMAN series was conducted from 8-12 March 2011, during which 28 countries participated with naval assets and 43 observers. Total of 11 ships from Australia, China, France, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and USA participated. 03 aircraft from Australia & Japan and 03 SOF/EOD teams and Marines from China, Turkey and USA also participated in the Exercise AMAN-11.
AMAN-13
AMAN-13 was the 4th exercise of AMAN series and was conducted from 4-8 Mar 13. During this exercise, total of 29 countries participated. 12 foreign ships, two Japanese P3Cs, 9 SOF/EOD teams and 36 observers participated in the exercise.
AMAN-17
Multinational Naval Exercise AMAN-17 was held from 10-14 February 2017. Navies from 37 countries participated along with Ships, Aircraft, Helicopters, Special Operations Forces, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Teams, Marines and 67 Observers in this exercise. The Exercise was conducted in two phases; the harbour phase spanned from 10-12 Feb and the sea phase from 13–14 Feb 17. The harbour phase comprised International Maritime Conference, Seminars, Table Talks, cross ships Visits, Call-ons, International Band Display and Maritime Counter Terrorism Demonstration. Whereas, the Sea phase included practical execution of operational plans and activities finalized during harbour phase.
The Exercise was planned with focused objectives, which include:
– Projection of positive image of Pakistan as a country contributing towards regional peace and stability.
– Consolidate PN’s position in the regional maritime arena.
– Enhancing interoperability with regional and extra regional navies thereby acting as a bridge between the regions.
– Display of united resolve against terrorism and crimes in maritime domain.
The Exercise was designed to provide a common forum for:
– Information sharing, mutual understanding and identifying areas of common interests for group analysis and dialogues through International Maritime Conference.
– To develop and practice response tactics, techniques and procedures against asymmetric and traditional threats during sea phase of the exercise.
– Intermingling of multinationals with depiction of their respective cultures during cultural shows/ food galas.
Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah in his message on commencement of the Exercise said that threats to maritime security increasingly emanate from contemporary asymmetric challenges like terrorism, piracy, narcotics, arms and human smuggling which have greatly impacted the maritime environment. The vastness of oceans and threats posed in maritime security also do not respect boundaries as their effects are felt globally. Consequently, there is a strong realization that no one nation can single handedly cope with the quantum of this prevailing threat, making cooperative maritime strategy a matter of compulsion rather than choice. The Naval Chief further added that Pakistan Navy has always been a forerunner in the quest for collaborative security in this region of immense strategic importance. It is part of a number of regional and international initiatives to achieve this end. AMAN series of exercises are effectively built on this concept.
Flags Hoisting Ceremony
Multinational Exercise AMAN 17 formally commenced with a colourful flag hoisting and opening ceremony held at PN Dockyard. Participating navies’ representatives, observers, foreign diplomats and a large number of officers and men attended the ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion, Commander Pakistan Fleet said that we are here for a common purpose, for a common goal to ensure security, to make this world safe for us, for rest of the humanity so that there is a peace which brings prosperity and progress that is what our constitution mandates us to do. We believe in inclusive policy and we think that if the world stands together, there will be great benefits for all of us.
He reiterated that Pakistan Navy has always been a consistent security contributor in IOR. Being a lead nation, Pakistan Navy is actively participating with other navies in combating Narco trade, human smuggling, terrorism and piracy at high seas. We need to make collective efforts to eliminate these threats for lasting peace in the region.
Aiming to provide visibility over planning and execution of Exercise AMAN-17, a media brief was also held at PN Fleet Headquarters prior to the Flag Hoisting Ceremony. Commander Pakistan Fleet, Vice Admiral Arifullah Hussaini addressed the media and gave details of the exercise.
Dwelling upon the aims and objectives of the exercise, the Fleet Commander said that the primary objective of this exercise is to have a platform which can promote mutual understanding and interests. In addition, the exercise is intended to devise procedures and techniques against conventional and non conventional threats.
Foreign Ships/ Aircrafts participation
Naval Platforms of 09 participating countries including Australia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, UK and USA arrived in Karachi for participation in Multinational Naval Exercise AMAN 2017.
The ships/Aircraft were:
| S. NO | Country | Ship’s Name |
| 1. | Australia | HMAS ARUNTA |
| 2. | China | HARBIN HANDAN DONGPHINGU |
| 3. | Indonesia | KRI SULTAN ISKANDARMUDA |
| 4. | Japan | 03xP3C ORION A/c |
| 5. | Russia | SEVEROMORSK ALTAY DUBNA |
| 6. | Sri Lanka | SLNS SAMUDRA |
| 7. | Turkey | TCG GELIBOLU |
| 8. | United Kingdom | HMS DARING |
| 9. | United State of America | USS COMSTOCK |
Upon arrival, the visiting ships were given a warm welcome by senior Pakistan Navy officials amid catchy tunes of national songs, played by a PN band. Officials of the consulates of visiting countries were also present on the occasion.
Chief of the Naval Staff visit to Foreign Ships
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah visited various ships of foreign navies participating in Exercise AMAN-17. Upon his arrival, the Naval Chief was warmly welcomed by senior officers/Task Group Commanders/Commanding officers of respective ships and was presented guard of honour by smartly turned out contingents.
The Naval Chief held formal interaction with senior officers/ Task Group Commanders/ commanding officers. During the discussions with officers onboard, the Naval Chief highlighted the role and contribution of Pakistan Navy as forerunner in the quest for collaborative security in this region.
The Admiral said that the camaraderie generated herein will grow in future and shall bring us closer to the mutual goal of regional peace and prosperity. He also appreciated and thanked for their participation in AMAN Exercise to fulfill common resolve of “Together for Peace”.
The senior officers/ Task Group Commanders/commanding officers of the respective ships highly acknowledged the strenuous efforts of Pakistan Navy by bringing together global navies towards a shared commitment of maritime peace, stability and lawful order at sea.
The Admiral had an informal interaction with the crew of visiting ships and appreciated their professionalism and morale.
The Naval Chief also recorded his remarks in guest books of visiting ships.
Maritime Counter Terrorism Demonstration and International Band Display
Special Operations Forces and Marines of Pakistan Navy presented an impressive Maritime Counter Terrorism Demonstration at Manora. The Sri Lankan Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral RC Wijegunaratne graced the demonstration as Chief Guest. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah was also present at the occasion.
The rise of terrorism and instability at global level has changed the nature of how nations engaged both friends and foes. Special Forces worldwide find themselves in non-conventional wars, peculiar operations and home defense missions which were unseen just a decade ago. Special Forces play a unique role that include tracking of terrorists cells and leaders, disrupting insurgent campaigns and building relationships with international partners for ensuring peace and stability.
Maritime Counter Terrorism Demonstration was a fine display of strength and specialized skills by Special Operations Forces and Marines of Pakistan Navy to counter acts of maritime terrorism and refine special operating procedures.
The demonstrations while using versatile platforms included fast maneuvers by Hovercraft, Military Assault and VBSS boats and Special Forces boats (SFBs), insertion of Air Assault Teams through helicopters, para-jumps by SSGNs/Commandos, frogman attacks, coordinated beach assault and reinforcement followed by extraction. The event witnessed a high level coordination and professionalism of Special Forces.
Pakistan Navy Special Forces and Marines conduct regular exercises with foreign Special Forces to keep abreast of the latest techniques in Special Warfare. Maritime Counter Terrorism Demo is a string of same scheme depicting firm dedication of Pakistan Navy to meet the challenges regarding maritime terrorism issues.
Earlier, an International Bands display was also presented by the bands of participating countries aiming to connect the countries through cultural heritage as well. The military bands from Sri Lanka and of Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Air Force played a mix of their traditional and military tunes. The enchanting melodies mesmerized the audience and were really appreciated.
A large number of personnel of the participating navies, observers, foreign diplomats and senior officials of Armed Forces of Pakistan witnessed the Counter Terrorism demonstration and Bands display.
International Fleet Review
The pinnacle of Multinational Naval Exercise AMAN-17 was the day long sea activities which came to conclusion with spectacular sea maneuvers and International Fleet Review in the North Arabian Sea amid a joint resolve of 37 countries “Together for Peace”.
Prime Minister of Islamic Republic of Pakistan Muhammad Nawaz Sharif was the Chief Guest. Governor Sindh, Chief Minister Sindh, Defence Minister, National Security Advisor to PM, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Chief of the Army Staff, Chief of the Air Staff, Sri Lankan Naval Chief, Secretary Defence, Ambassadors, Consul Generals, Diplomats and other high ranking civil and military officials were also present on the occasion.
Upon arrival onboard Pakistan Navy Ship NASR, the Chief Guest was received by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah. The Prime Minister was briefed on the overall conduct and operational perspective of the exercise and was given a detailed account of the sea based activities.
The Chief Guest witnessed different operational serials of the exercise conducted at sea by participating naval ships, aircraft, helicopters and PAF fighter jets. These serials comprised replenishment of men and material from one ship to another, Rockets Depth Charge (RDC) firing and surface to surface firing on pre-determined targets. Prime Minister was also presented an impressive fly past by various aircraft and helicopters of PN, PAF and participating countries including Japanese P3C Orion aircraft.
In the end, all participating ships skimmed past PNS NASR in a column formation and presented salute to the dignitary. All the coalition ships also formed up for traditional “AMAN Formation” to signify unity and harmony amongst the participating nations.
Expressing his satisfaction, the Prime Minister lauded the strenuous efforts of Pakistan Navy for the successful conduct of Exercise AMAN-17, which is a manifestation of Pakistan’s policy of constructive engagement with the comity of nations for peace and stability in the maritime commons. He further added that presence of such large number of foreign navies is reflective of confidence of world navies on Pakistan. “With this state of operational readiness, Pakistan Navy is fully prepared and committed to ensure seaward defence and safeguard maritime interests of Pakistan”, he also emphasised.
Maritime security challenges in the Indian Ocean have acquired international dimensions. Cooperation between international navies therefore, is imperative to counter these emerging threats. Pakistan being a major stakeholder in maritime security of Arabian Sea is fully committed to ensure freedom of navigation and lawful maritime order. Successful conduct of Multinational Naval Exercise AMAN-17 under the auspices of Pakistan Navy is a big stride towards this direction. Participation of 37 countries across the globe, with their warships, aircraft, helicopters, Special Operation Forces, Explosive Ordnance Teams, Marines and Observers in this Exercise is manifestation of poise and confidence on Pakistan in joining hands for common resolve of peace and stability. The exercise is also a reflection of the strong ties between Pakistan and global navies and display of converging strategic interests which will go a long way in promoting maritime security and stability in the region.
