PN UAE (NAVY) Bilateral Exercise NASL AL BAHR 2014 – Press Briefing

Karachi, April 23, 2014 (PPI-OT): Joint PN UAE naval exercise NASL Al BAHR meaning “Sea Blade” is being conducted in Pakistani waters from 20 – 26 April 2014. Two UAE ships namely ABU DHABI and AL HESEN along with maritime patrol aircraft DASH-08 and Special Force elements are participating in the exercise with Pakistan Navy.

The exercise would provide an opportunity for both navies to share experience, refine tactical doctrines/procedures and progressively enhance its scope. The press briefing was conducted by Commander Pakistan Fleet Vice Admiral Khan Hasham Bin Saddique and UAE’s Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Operations and Training) Commodore Abdullah Shehi at Fleet Headquarters.

While addressing the press briefing, Commander Pakistan Fleet said that Pakistan and UAE navies have historic and deep rooted relationship from the very beginning. Being the first ever bilateral exercise of this stature, NASL Al BAHR is a landmark reflection of the historic ties between PN and UAE navy.

It is also a true manifestation of convergence in strategic interests of the two very important countries in the region which will go a long way for promoting maritime security and stability in the region. Admiral Hasham also remarked that growing complexities of the maritime domain arising from piracy, drug trafficking, human and arms smuggling has necessitated enhanced collaboration and cooperation between navies across the globe.

PN and UAE(N) have been interacting since long however, exercise NASL AL BAHR is unique in the context of its expanded scope and more focused objectives covering the entire spectrum of multifaceted maritime operations involving surface, air and Special Forces elements.

During this exercise, PN and UAE(N) ships, aircrafts and special forces will jointly orchestrate the full spectrum of maritime operations ranging from conventional warfare exercise like above water warfare, Command post exercise, table discussions and workshops on professional issues, tactical games, maneuvers, search and rescue exercise etc. to countering variety of asymmetric threats at sea.

For more information, contact:
Lieutenant Commander Shakeel Ahmad
Assistant Director
Directorate of Public Relations
Pakistan Navy
Tel: +9221 2006 3210
Cell: +92333 217 1764 and +92300 217 1038