Pak, Saudi naval wargames on 28th
ISLAMABAD—New war games between the Pakistan and Saudi navies would be
held in Arabian Sea on Nov 28, (Monday) at, officials said.
Following the exercise with Chinese, both brotherly countries will
engage in a high profile exercise which is scheduled to begin on Nov 28.
“The Saudi naval ships, around half a dozen in number — mainly missile
crafts — have left Saudi ports and will be reaching at Karachi soon”,
officials told inp adding that they would be honoured with a 21-gun
salute. We will first do the harbour phase and than go for deep sea in
the first week of December, an official of the navy said.
The Commander of Saudi Naval Task Force, Rear Admiral Sammi Bin Mansoor
Al Rafi has already reached Karachi - by air — and engaged in meeting
with a number of top officials.
It will be an important exchange between the two navies and will play an
important role in enhancing mutual trust and understanding.
The technical know-how, communication level, understanding, techniques
of warfare and other important aspects of two navies will be enhanced as
the result of the exercise.
“Saudis are mainly interested in enhancing their defensive capabilities
and least pushed about offence,” said an official closed to the
developments.
Pakistan Navy has also sent a number of warships to Saudi Arabia in past
and presently a Pakistani frigate Badr (PNS 181) is at a Saudi port.
Commenting on the latest exercises with Chinese, the sources said that
they have reached here 21st, which was their fourth visit. In Nov 2003,
a Pakistani squad held the first joint exercise with them in the East
China Sea.
Pakistan will get four F-22P frigates and six Z-9C helicopters from
China which will improve our ability, they added.
Both Pakistan and India are expanding naval operations by conducting
joint exercises with foreign navies and as Pakistan’s relations are
growing with China, india is tilting towards Russia to upgrade its
navy.—INP |
