SLNS Gajabahu takes part in AMAN-2021 exercise in Pakistan

The multi-national maritime exercise AMAN-2021 hosted by Pakistan Navy under the theme ‘Together for Peace’ formally commenced at Pakistan Navy Dockyard in Karachi, Pakistan on 12th February 2021. Representing Sri Lanka Navy at this multi-national maritime exercise, Sri Lanka Naval Ship (SLNS) Gajabahu took part in the 7th edition of AMAN series this year.

Having seen the customary farewell at the home port, SLNS Gajabahu on 05th February 2021 left Colombo for Karachi, Pakistan to attend AMAN-2021 which was held until 16th February with the participation of as many as 45 countries from across the world.

The harbour phase of AMAN-2021 was held from 12th to 14th February 2021 at the port of Karachi where SLNS Gajabahu was reviewed by Admiral M Amjad Khan Niazi, Chief of the Naval Staff of Pakistan Navy. Meanwhile, the sea phase of the exercise was held on 15th and 16th February 2021 in the North Arabian Sea with emphasis on maritime security operations, counter terrorism operations and humanitarian assistance operation. Based on this, the exercise sought to develop and practice Response, Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (RTTP) for maritime infrastructure, assets and forces against traditional and non-traditional threats. On the sidelines of the exercise the International Maritime Conference was held from 13th to 15th February 2021 under the auspices of Pakistan Navy on the theme of “Development of Blue Economy under a Secure and Sustainable Environment: A Shared Future for Western Indian Ocean Region”. The conference was attended by Flag Officer Commanding Naval Fleet, Rear Admiral Bandara Jayathilake, representing Sri Lanka Navy.

As curtains officially brought down on the multi-national maritime exercise AMAN-2021 on 16th February, a two-day bilateral maritime exercise (on 17th and 18th February) between Sri Lanka and Pakistan navies commenced and SLNS Gajabahu is taking part in the exercise.

Taking part in international maritime exercises of this nature, benefit Sri Lanka Navy in many ways. Increased cooperation among regional navies, exchanging best practices and procedures in maritime operations, undertaking new challenges in maritime domain and collectively finding solutions to overcome those issues are chief among them.

This maritime exercise enabled participating countries to further develop mutual understanding with their counterparts and also helped maintain maritime security in the region. The exercises were held adhering to strict health and safety guidelines in the face of COVID-19 global pandemic.