KARACHI: A senior Pakistani naval official said on Tuesday two Saudi warships, HMS Jazan and HMS Hail, will participate in the ninth edition of his country’s naval exercise, AMAN-25, which is scheduled to be held from February 7 to 11.
The AMAN exercise, held every two years in the North Arabian Sea, is a multinational naval drill organized by the Pakistan Navy to enhance regional maritime security and interoperability among allied forces. The exercise was first held in 2007 and has since attracted participants from across the world.
According to official information, AMAN-2025 will witness the participation of nearly 60 countries and will be conducted in two phases. The harbor phase will take place from February 7 to 9, while the sea phase, running from February 10 to 11, will include search and rescue operations, live weapon firings and an international fleet review.
Rear Admiral Abdul Munib, Commander of the Pakistani Fleet, highlighted his country’s strong maritime ties with Saudi Arabia during a news conference.
“Saudi Arabia is a brotherly country,” he said, as he mentioned the participation of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces in the exercise while pointing out that Pakistan also enjoyed close relations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
“Pakistan’s relations with both these countries are already strong, but there is also a very close navy-to-navy collaboration with them,” he continued. “We have conducted a number of exercises with them, and both countries will also be actively participating in this exercise.”
Commander of Pakistan Fleet, Rear Admiral Abdul Munib, speaks during a press conference ahead of the 9th Multinational Maritime Exercise AMAN-25, in Karachi on February 4, 2025. (AFP)
Calling the participation from Saudi Arabia “very encouraging,” the naval official said in addition to the two Saudi ships, the Kingdom’s Special Operations Forces (SOF) and Underwater Demolition (UWD) teams would also participate.
“The UAE has one ship participating as well, and their SOF and UWD teams are also participating,” he added.
This year’s exercise is expected to include a wide range of maritime professionals, with over 200 observers from around the world in attendance.
The Pakistani rear admiral noted the role of the AMAN Dialogue, which is scheduled to take place alongside the exercise. He informed it will bring together naval chiefs, coast guards and defense forces from participating nations.
The forum will allow military leaders to exchange insights and discuss strategies for addressing emerging maritime challenges.
“More than just a military drill, AMAN embodies Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to fostering regional stability, ensuring safe and secure seas and countering nontraditional and asymmetric threats,” he maintained.
“Above all, it serves as a vital platform for strengthening interoperability, information sharing and mutual understanding among like-minded regional and extra-regional navies, thus reinforcing the belief that maritime security is a shared responsibility,” he added.
