As the Pakistan Navy gears up for AMAN-2025, a significant naval exercise scheduled for February 10-14, 2025, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of the Pakistan Navy, shared insights on maritime security challenges and the Navy’s modernization efforts in an interview with Naval News. AMAN-2025 aims to unite navies from around the world to enhance cooperation and develop coordinated responses to evolving maritime threats. This year, a new initiative called the AMAN Dialogue will complement the exercise with strategic discussions.
The Indian Ocean, a vital global trade route, faces rising security threats and environmental concerns. Pakistan is positioning itself as a key player in safeguarding maritime stability. Admiral Ashraf emphasized the interconnected nature of these challenges, citing ongoing conflicts and geopolitical tensions, particularly the Israel-Gaza conflict and regional instability in Afghanistan. The Navy intends to address both conventional and unconventional threats while ensuring maritime security and the protection of sea lines of communication.
The Admiral noted that the Pakistan Navy is undergoing significant modernization, focusing on indigenization and the acquisition of advanced platforms. Recent additions include Type 054 A/P frigates from China, OPVs from Romania, and the MILGEM Class corvettes from Turkey. These modern platforms are crucial for tackling complex maritime threats. The Pakistan Navy is also planning to construct its first indigenously designed frigate, the JINNAH Class, reflecting a commitment to self-reliance in defense technology.
The integration of unmanned systems into naval operations is another focus. Admiral Ashraf highlighted the role of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in enhancing maritime domain awareness and operational flexibility. This hybrid approach combines manned and unmanned systems, optimizing capabilities while reducing maintenance costs.
Regarding AMAN-2025, Admiral Ashraf aims to foster regional cooperation to maintain good order at sea and build interoperability among participating navies. The previous edition of the exercise saw participation from 50 countries, and the Admiral anticipates similar or greater involvement in 2025, hoping it will mark a new chapter in naval collaboration.
In summary, the Pakistan Navy is actively preparing for AMAN-2025 while advancing its modernization efforts and addressing the pressing maritime security challenges in the Indian Ocean. Through enhanced cooperation and strategic dialogue, Pakistan aims to solidify its role in promoting stability and security in the region.
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