PAKISTAN NAVY: DEEP WATERS AND BEYOND — AMAN 2025

By: Sanobar Nadir

In the deep blue waters of the Arabian Sea, the story of bravery, resilience, and cooperation has been unfurling since 2007. Since then, with each flip of the page, this story has only grown stronger.

Exercise AMAN, an initiative started by the Pakistan Navy, carries the flag of the country’s commitment to promote and support peaceful coexistence in the region.

This exercise is more than a military drill. It is a global message of peace, collaboration, unity, and collective responsibility for maritime security, tying together the navies across the world under the motto “Together for Peace.”

The AMAN exercise aims to promote peace and regional cooperation by enhancing alliances among both regional and extra-regional navies, acting as a bridge between global maritime regions. By participating in this biennial event, navies from various countries can refine their tactical coordination and strengthen joint operational capabilities. This event also serves to display a unified stance against maritime terrorism and criminal activities, including piracy and human trafficking, which contribute significantly to global maritime security.

Over the years, this biennial event has symbolized Pakistan’s leadership in promoting peace and unity in the region by addressing traditional and non-traditional maritime threats. Pakistan Navy, known for its strategic vision and multifaceted approach to maritime security, has propelled AMAN to greater heights.

Since its inception, the scale of Exercise AMAN has grown significantly, with participation increasing from 28 countries in 2007 to 50 in 2023. The first AMAN exercise “AMAN-07” involved 14 warships from Bangladesh, China, France, Italy, Malaysia, the UK, and the USA, with 28 participating nations and 29 observers. The second exercise in 2009 saw 24 countries, 14 warships, two aircraft, and nine Special Operations Forces (SOF) teams from Australia, Bangladesh, China, France, Japan, Malaysia, the UK, Nigeria, Türkiye, and the USA.

By AMAN-11, 28 countries participated, with 11 ships, three aircraft, and additional SOF, EOD, and marine teams from countries like Australia, Japan, China, and the USA, along with 43 observers. AMAN-13 saw 29 countries with 12 ships, two aircraft from Japan, and eight SOF teams from Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Italy, Sri Lanka, and Türkiye, along with two EOD teams from Türkiye and the USA, alongside 36 observers.

The AMAN-17 exercise witnessed an increase in participation as 34 countries, 12 ships, and eight Marine teams from nations including China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Russia, Sri Lanka, Türkiye, and the UK, with 67 observers participating in the year 2017. AMAN-19 saw 46 countries, 11 ships, two aircraft, and 10 SOF/EOD Marine teams, along with 113 observers, reinforcing the growing scale of the exercise.

Whereas in AMAN-21, 42 countries participated, showcasing 11 ships, aircraft from Türkiye, and numerous SOF teams from Russia, Sri Lanka, and Türkiye, with 117 observers.While the latest, AMAN-23 exercise, held in the North Arabian Sea, was the largest yet, with 50 countries, seven ships, and various special teams, along with 116 observers. By hosting and organizing successful AMAN exercises throughout all these years, the Pakistan Navy played a pivotal role in earning Pakistan the reputation of being a key regional player in global maritime affairs​.

Due to the ever-expanding global participation of Exercise AMAN, the Pakistan Navy has introduced the AMAN Dialogue alongside the AMAN-25 exercise this year. AMAN Dialogue focuses on promoting a shared understanding of the region’s security challenges, with particular emphasis on the Blue Economy. This strategic forum provides senior military and defense leaders with a platform to discuss regional security and develop solutions to maritime challenges. It also aims to identify gaps in maritime security strategies and explore innovative solutions to growing threats at sea, such as cyber-attacks on maritime infrastructure and environmental hazards. The Dialogue also highlights the importance of the Blue Economy in contributing to economic growth through the sustainable use of marine resources, fisheries, and tourism.

Furthermore, the AMAN Dialogue will gather Chiefs of Navies, Coast Guards, and Defense Forces for multilateral discussions and one-on-one meetings, as well as include keynote addresses and seminars on current maritime issues, promoting collaboration in the ocean’s safety and security.

By looking at the achievements of the Pakistan Navy, it is apt to say that its influence is not just limited to the sea, as it goes beyond the boundaries of the ocean. Pakistan Navy operates as a four-dimensional force, and with each passing year, it has proved its mettle by being at the forefront when it comes to national security and safety. It has also advocated the significance of forming friendly alliances with other countries and working with other navies to promote peace in the region. With strategic capabilities in surface, subsurface, and aerial domains, the Pakistan Navy maintains authority across various aspects of maritime security. Exercise AMAN demonstrates the Pakistan Navy’s ability to address both traditional maritime challenges and emerging threats to peace and security.

Now, under the guidance of the Pakistan Navy, the AMAN Dialogue will open a new door to enhance regional cooperation and stability. This initiative promotes global collaboration and further cements the Pakistan Navy’s role as a promoter of peace and stability in the global regions. By leading this innovative initiative, the Pakistan Navy continues to shape the future of maritime security, ensuring a peaceful, cooperative, and secure global maritime environment for everyone.