Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff (Operations), Vice Admiral Zafar Mehmood Abbasi and Commander Pakistan Fleet, Vice Admiral Arif Ullah Hussaini along with Turkish Mission Commander witnessed the exercise onboard the Turkish Ship BUYUKADA
KARACHI – Pakistan and Turkish Navy conducted bilateral naval exercise at North Arabian Sea, with an aim to enhance interoperability and contribute towards regional maritime security.
The exercise at sea covered a number of serials including Anti Air Warfare Operations, Communication Drills and Joint Maneuvers by the participating surface ships, aircraft and helicopters from both the sides.
Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff (Operations), Vice Admiral Zafar Mehmood Abbasi and Commander Pakistan Fleet, Vice Admiral Arif Ullah Hussaini along with Turkish Mission Commander witnessed the exercise onboard the Turkish Ship BUYUKADA. The flag officers highly appreciated the professional competence of both the Navies and expressed their satisfaction over the level of proficiency displayed during the exercise. This bilateral exercise will provide valuable opportunity for navies of both countries to learn from each other’s experiences and refine warfare tactics.
Turkish ship TCG BUYUKADA is on a goodwill visit to Pakistan. The regular exchange visits and conduct of bilateral exercises by both the navies are testimony of trust and cooperation between the two countries. In the same context, the current visit of Turkish Navy Ship BUYUKADA will further enhance the defence ties and mutual collaboration between the two countries in general and the two navies in particular.sa
The exercise covered a number of areas, including anti-air warfare operations, communication drills, and joint maneuvers by the participating surface ships, aircraft, and helicopters from both sides, said a statement by Pakistan Navy.
The Pakistan Navy is likely interested in the notion of procuring lower cost – but lighter displacement – surface combatants to supplant its aging ships. Modern sub-3000-ton vessels can mount capable on-board sensor, electronic support measures, and armament suites, enabling them to serve as effective multi-mission platforms. In general, these ships can be acquired and operated relatively affordably.
The Pakistan Navy believes it has a need for new surface ships to properly manage Pakistan’s exclusive economic zone and to fulfill its coalition commitments. It would not be surprising, especially considering economic uncertainty, if a relatively modest corvette package is pursued. In other words, modern AAW capabilities may not be an immediate priority with these ships, not if financing is to become a challenge.