Two Saudi naval vessels, HMS Jazan and HMS Hail, are set to take part in Pakistan’s AMAN-25 naval exercise, which will be held from February 7 to 11 in the North Arabian Sea, according to a senior Pakistani naval official.
The AMAN exercise, initiated in 2007 and conducted biennially, is a multinational maritime drill organized by the Pakistan Navy to strengthen regional security and foster interoperability among allied forces.
AMAN-25 is expected to see participation from approximately 60 nations, with the drills split into two segments: the harbour phase from February 7 to 9 and the sea phase from February 10 to 11. Activities will include search and rescue operations, live weapon firings, and an international fleet review.
Rear Admiral Abdul Munib, Commander of the Pakistan Fleet, emphasized the significance of maritime collaboration with Saudi Arabia and acknowledged the Royal Saudi Naval Forces’ involvement in the event.
“Saudi Arabia is a close ally,” Munib remarked, adding that Pakistan also maintains strong naval ties with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which will also participate in AMAN-25.
Besides the two Saudi warships, the Kingdom’s Special Operations Forces (SOF) and Underwater Demolition (UWD) teams will take part in the exercise. The UAE will contribute a naval ship along with its own SOF and UWD teams.
More than 200 international observers are expected to attend, reflecting the exercise’s global importance.
Munib also highlighted the AMAN Dialogue, a parallel forum where naval chiefs, coast guards, and defense officials from participating nations will exchange perspectives and discuss maritime security strategies.
“AMAN is more than just a military drill; it represents Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to regional stability, safe seas, and countering nontraditional security threats,” Munib stated.
He further noted that the exercise aims to enhance operational coordination and facilitate information-sharing among regional and global navies, reinforcing collective maritime security efforts.
This year’s AMAN-25 is poised to serve as a crucial platform for global naval cooperation, addressing evolving maritime security challenges.
