WATCH: Pak-Saudi joint naval drill 'Naseem Al Bahr-XIII' kicks off

The major joint naval exercise Naseem Al Bahr-XIII between Pakistan Navy (PN) and Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) commenced in Karachi on Sunday.

The exercise was aimed to consolidate the existing strong bilateral relations between the PN and the RSNF, a statement issued by the Pakistan Navy said.

The exercise included joint conduct of maritime security operations across the traditional and non-traditional warfare domains thus enhancing interoperability between both the navies.

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Earlier, the RSNF flotilla arrived at Karachi port and was warmly welcomed by senior the PN and the RSNF officers.

Besides Naval ships of both navies, aviation units including the PN and the RSNF helicopters embarked on board ships and aircraft of the RSAF would also participate in this exercise.

On the first day of the exercise, various harbour evolutions were conducted to provide synergy in different naval operations.

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It also afforded the opportunity for both navies to conduct operational planning for the joint naval operations to be conducted in the subsequent sea phase of the exercise.

During the first phase, various training exercises were organised onboard the PN and the RSNF ships and harbour facilities.

The respective force commanders of the PN and the RSNF closely monitored and supervised the training activities.