Pak-Saudi joint naval wargames begin
From Zeeshan Mirza

KARACHI—Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Muhammad Afzal Tahir Friday said that Pak-Saudi naval exercise Naseem-al-Bahr has provided an excellent platform to re-assess naval doctrines and improve the professional skills. He expressed these views while talking to newsmen on boardship PNS Tippu Sultan during review of the sea phase of joint Pak-Saudi naval Exercise “Naseem-al-Bahr on high sea.
Admiral Muhammad Afzal Tahir said that in the present geopolitical scenario, the ongoing transformation and realignments of interests has generated immense maritime activity in our region. He said that coalition and joint operations will not only help in maintaining a stable maritime scenario but the level of interoperability and coordination will also be enhanced.
He further said that in our region almost the entire economic activity is through sea, thus ensuring safety of Sea Lines of Communication is mandatory to safeguard own interests. Admiral Afzal said today, by the grace of Allah PN is fully capable to defend the maritime interests of the country and respond with full force to any untoward situation. Pakistan Navy will continue radiating constant presence in the region through friendly naval operations, maritime diplomacy and exercises with foreign friendly navies, he added.
Earlier, Naval Chief arrived on board Saudi ship “Al-Riyadh” by helicopter, where Commander, Saudian Task Force, Rear Admiral Sami Bin Mansoor Al Rafae and Commander Pakistani fleet, Vice Admiral Sikandar Viqar Naqvi briefed him about various aspects of the exercises. The Naval Chief also witnessed ongoing exercises which included repelling by a Sea King helicopter which displayed live aerial insertion of naval commandos on the deck of ship cruising at high speeds. Two Sea King helicopters also demonstrated the submarine search techniques and rescue procedures.
An impressive show fly past by the Naval aircraft and high speed skim past by sea vessels was another feature of the demonstration, and various drills relating to anti submarine warfare and electronic warfare were also conducted. Exercise Naseem Al Bahr has been a regular series of exercises between Pakistan Navy and Royal Saudi Naval Forces since last 13 years. This year, seven ships of Saudi navy and Pakistan Navy ships, submarines and Aircrafts are participating in the exercise.
The main focus of current ongoing exercises is to counter terrorism, search and rescue, convoy protection, anti air, surface and anti submarine operations. The Exercise commenced on November 26 and will continue till December 15.