Pakistan Navy to Hold 9th Multinational Maritime Exercise AMAN-25 and Maiden AMAN Dialogue

Pakistan has always been an avid supporter of regional peace and stability. Pakistan’s commitment to the principle of ‘peaceful coexistence’ and desire for greater regional harmony and cooperation is also reflected through Pakistan’s armed forces participation in UN Peacekeeping missions, UN-mandated Combined Maritime Task Forces 150 & 151, participation in regional and extra-regional joint bilateral and multilateral exercises.

To demonstrate Pakistan’s commitment to peace, contribute towards regional maritime security, and enhance cooperation and interoperability between regional and extra-regional navies, the Pakistan Navy took the initiative of holding the Multinational exercise AMAN in 2007, which is being conducted biennially.

Historically, Pakistan has always acted as a bridge by bringing countries together and the same spirit of endeavoring for greater regional harmony and cooperation is echoed through Exercise AMAN’s motto ‘ Together for peace’.

Till to date eight exercises have been conducted and 9th exercise is planned from 7 – 11 Feb 2025 in Karachi. Over the period of time, Exercise has become a major International Naval event which is evident from growing number of participation.

Growing global participation in AMAN over the years underscores the trust and confidence reposed by the international community in PN efforts and its contributions towards advancing collaborative maritime security. This has encouraged PN to initiate ‘AMAN Dialogue’ as an adjunct to the Exercise and its inaugural session will be held, in tandem with AMAN-25.

The aim of AMAN Dialogue is to provide a dedicated forum for senior leadership to exchange views on regional security and adopt innovative solutions to address evolving challenges at sea. The AMAN Dialogue will bring together Chiefs of Navies/ Coast Guards/ Defence Forces and afford them the opportunity for multilateral and one-on-one meetings. AMAN Dialogue will also include keynote addresses and seminars on contemporary maritime affairs.

Overview of AMAN Exercises

Since the maiden Exercise of the AMAN series held in March 2007, participation of global navies in this exercise has been steadily growing with the overall participation of 28 x countries in AMAN-07, the latest edition of the exercise i.e., 8th series of AM AN exercise conducted in 2023 witnessed participation from 50 countries across the globe making it the largest ever international gathering in the history of AMAN exercises. Global Navies have been participating in Ex AMAN with ships, Aircraft, EOD, SOF Teams and Observers. The increased participation reflects growing trust in the value of the exercise and the Pakistan Navy’s credibility in bringing navies of the East and West under a common platform, for the good of the global commons.

Objectives

Objectives of the AMAN exercise include:

• Promote peace and regional cooperation.
• Enhance interoperability with regional and extra-regional navies thereby acting as a bridge between the regions.
• Display united resolve against terrorism and crimes in the maritime domain.
• Promote a shared understanding of maritime security issues and challenges confronting the region and their linkages with the Blue Economy.
• Deliberate efficacy of existing mechanisms for maritime cooperation and the need to adopt innovative solutions to address evolving challenges at sea.
• Formulate suitable strategies in order to enhance maritime security d. Showcase the potential contribution of the Blue economy toward the overall economic growth of the country.

Major Activities

Major AMAN activities could be divided into Harbour, Sea Phase and SOF/ EOD teams’ activities. In addition, AMAN dialogue events will be conducted in parallel to AMAN 25 activities. Details of major activities of AMAN 25 are as under:

1. Arrival of Participating Units.
2. Opening Ceremony at PN Dockyard.
3. Wreath Laying.
4. Friendly Sports Matches.
5. ​Maritime Counter Terrorism Demo by SSG (N)/ Pak Marines.
6. Table Top Discussions (TTDs) on professional topics.
7. Calls and visits including ship visits.
8. ​International Band Display.
9. International Cultural Display and Food Gala.

The delegates of AMAN Dialogue will be arriving on 2nd Day of AMAN 25 (8 Feb 25) and would also be joining IFR scheduled on 11 Feb 25. Activities planned during AMAN Dialogue are as under:

1. Summit of Chiefs of Navy/ Coast Guards.
2. Seminar encompassing academic activities of AMAN Dialogue.
3. ​Bilateral meetings between delegations.

Sea Activities

International Fleet Review (IFR): An International Fleet Review (IFR) is scheduled at sea on 11 February 2025. During IFR, various operational activities/serial listed below will be conducted:

• RAS (L) Token
•  Counter Piracy Demo by PN MSW Team
•  Rocket Depth Charge (RDC) firing
•  Surface Firing on Killer Tomato
• Fly Past by Air Units (PN, PAF and Foreign participating Aircraft)
• Man and Cheer Ship in honor of the Chief Guest

In addition to IFR, sea activities including various exercises to practice response against maritime security threats in a multinational environment will be undertaken.

SOF/EOD/Marines Teams: Special Operation Forces (SOF), Explosives Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Marines teams will also participate in the exercise. The SOF/EOD/Marine personnel have the frontline role against the threat of maritime terrorism and other crimes. Therefore, a number of exercises to develop Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) for combined action by multinational forces against asymmetric threats are also planned.