Participation of Pakistan Navy in IMX-22
PAKISTAN Navy is taking part in the international naval training exercises, commonly known as International Maritime Exercise-2022 (IMX 22).
IMX-22 is being participated by approximately 60 countries.It is an 18-day biennial training (exercise) where over 9000 naval combatants will be exercising various drills and procedures linked with naval warfare.
There are over 50 naval vessels of participating navies from across the globe.The exercise is a great opportunity for Pakistan Navy to practice its own drills and procedure alongside the international naval forces.
Indeed, over the years, Pakistan Navy has reorganized and reformed itself on the lines of major and strategic and naval powers.
Indeed, over the years Pakistan Navy has gone through an evolutionary and revolutionary phase in its professionalism.
Besides well-trained manpower, Pakistan Navy has equipped itself with the most modern and sophisticated weapon system, mostly manufactured at home through a process of technology transfer.
The 7th IMX-22 is being conducted at a wider level in the Indian Ocean.It will cover larger Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea and North Indian Ocean.
These wider naval manoeuvres in international waters will help Pakistan Navy to increase its strategic reach and acquaintance with various regions of Indian Ocean for a future naval operability, once needed.
During the on-going IMX-22, PN will also get to know the operational capabilities of world’s top most navies like US navy.
PN will be able to gauge and analyse the professionalism and naval equipment of rival navies like Indian and Israel.
Indeed, knowing the capabilities of Indian and Israeli Navy will be strategically useful for PN from many operational and professional aspects.
Though PN will not be directly operating and interacting with Israeli Navy, yet the officer cadre of Pakistan Navy must get maximum and first-hand information about the operational preparedness of Israeli Navy.
With a joint resolve against the growing maritime threats, IMX-22 will greatly contribute towards regional and global peace and stability.
Besides, through these exercises, Pakistan Navy will refine is maritime concepts and operational roles to counter threats emanating from sea.
Apart from this, these exercises will enhance interoperability between naval forces of various countries.
Learning from each other’s professional skills and battle drills is yet another area, aimed for these exercises.
It is worth mentioning that it is not first time that PN is participating in a multi-national naval exercise.In the past, PN has participated in dozens of joint naval exercises at regional and global levels.
PN has hosted a series of multinational maritime exercises like Aman exercises.The last Aman exercises were hosted by PN which were participated by 45 countries in 2021.
So far, Pakistan Navy has hosted seven Aman Exercises since 2007.In fact, it was a great beginning of naval diplomacy by PN.With a clear message of peace across the globe, the Aman exercises were aimed to display a united resolve against the growing ‘maritime terrorism and crimes.
These exercises were also intended to contribute towards regional peace and stability while enhancing interoperability between naval forces of various countries.
It is to be noted that, as part of Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150), Pakistan Navy has played a great role towards curbing the trends of terrorism and maritime piracy.
This Task Force was established to monitor, board, inspect and stop suspect shipping to pursue the “Global War on Terrorism”.
Many a time Pakistan Naval officers commanded this Task Force with distinction and global appreciations.
With the sole aim of safeguarding and protecting the maritime frontiers of Pakistan, Pakistan Navy has transformed itself into a modern navy.
It is all set to protect the maritime interests of Pakistan, and to deter aggression at and from sea.
By participating in multi-lateral naval exercises like IMX-22, PN will achieve three objectives: (a) cooperation with international community for the promotion of peace and harmony against piracy and maritime terrorism, (b) demonstrating the operational preparedness and professionalism of Pakistan Navy to top most navies of the world, (c) creating a sense of deterrence against regional naval forces.
Over the years, Pakistan Navy equipped itself with the modern weapons and equipment.Through its 2025 Modernization plan, PN has attained modern weapons including submarines, naval war ships and aircraft.
China is manufacturing four “most advanced” naval warships for PN.Some of these ships are being manufactured by Chinese State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC).
These ships are equipped with modern detection and weapon systems, capable of anti-ship, anti-submarine and air-defence operations.
These ships are of Type 054AP, based on the Type 054A of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy.
It is said, upon construction, these warships “will be one of the largest and technologically advanced platforms of the Pakistan Navy and strengthen the country’s capability to respond to future challenges, maintain peace and stability and the balance of power in the Indian Ocean region.”
Pakistan Navy has already brought a sense of balance of power (balance in naval power) in the Indian Ocean.
PN has attained a qualitative edge over its rivals who have quantitative edge.Besides demonstrating highest degree of professionalism, Pakistan Navy has been participating in disaster and relief operations in coastal areas.
Pakistan Navy is custodian of the Arabian Sea; protecting the sea lanes of communication all along with an unmatched professionalism and dedication.
“Through its initiatives and diverse activities PN has emerged as a key player in the region’s collaborative maritime security paradigm.
” With the participation in IMX-22, Pakistan Navy will further refine its professionalism and broaden its strategic farsightedness.
— The writer is Professor of Politics and IR at International Islamic University, Islamabad.
