Pakistan Navy to host AMAN exercise next month

Pakistan Navy would host the biennial AMAN-23 multinational maritime exercise next month with the China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, with the aim of enhancing interoperability between regional and extra regional navies at different levels of technological prowess, a Chinese media report has said.

Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Amjad Khan Niazi told China’s Global Times that the eighth edition of the AMAN exercises would be held in Karachi in two phases – the harbour from February 10 to 12 and the sea from February 13 to 14.

“The exercise is conducted with the aim to develop synergy between participating naval units to tackle maritime security challenges by enhancing interoperability between regional and extra regional navies at different levels of technological prowess,” Admiral Niazi told Global Times.

China and Pakistan have been maintaining close naval and maritime exchanges and cooperation in recent years, including joint drills, enhanced by Pakistan's procurement of four advanced Type 054A/P frigates from China. The newspaper said that like the previous editions, China is again expected to participate in AMAN-23.

In tandem with AMAN-23, the Pakistan Navy will also hold the first Pakistan International Maritime Expo and Conference (PIMEC) aimed at showcasing the potential of Pakistan's maritime sector and drawing attention to the contribution that the maritime industry could make toward the development of the economy.

Admiral Niazi said that acquisition of two of the four Type 054A/Ps from China was a symbol of enduring friendship and between the two countries. “These ships are being integrated into Pakistan Navy operations and will be the mainstay in the Pakistan Navy Fleet in the coming years.” he added.

The Type 054A/P is one of the latest multi-role frigates of Chinese origin equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors that include advanced anti-submarine warfare suite and combat management system. The ships were equipped to operate under multi-threat scenarios.

He revealed that the Pakistan Navy, as part of this modernisation plan, was replacing its aging platforms with acquisitions from friendly countries along with transfer of technology for in-country construction. In this regard, he added collaboration with China had been strengthened.

“Pakistan Navy will continue to engage Chinese firms to meet its operational requirements in the future,” he said, referring to the procurement of F-22P frigates, Fast Attack Craft [Missile], helicopters, a survey ship, and medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned combat aerial vehicles.

“The ongoing planned induction of Type 054A/Ps and Hangor-class submarines will further cement naval ties between the two countries. The Hangor-class submarine project is making progress steadily and the submarines are under various stages of assemblage in Pakistan and China,” the CNS continued.

The induction of Hangor-class submarines with air independent propulsion (AIP) system onboard would significantly enhance submerged endurance capabilities, Global Times reporter Liu Xuanzun wrote. The project was continuing as per the timeline despite certain delays due to Covid-19 and technical intricacies.