Saudi Navy Joins Pakistan for Naseem Al Bahr 15 Exercise in Arabian Sea

The Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) have commenced participation in the bilateral naval exercise ‘Naseem Al Bahr 15’ alongside the Pakistan Navy in the Arabian Sea, as announced by the official Saudi Press Agency on February 11, 2025. The joint exercise aims to strengthen military cooperation and coordination between the two navies across all domains of naval warfare, including planning, execution, and evaluation. The RSNF is contributing with His Majesty’s ships and a helicopter, while the Pakistan Navy is participating with naval ships, boats, and submarines, supported by the Pakistan Air Force.

Context and Background

The ‘Naseem Al Bahr’ series of exercises has been a cornerstone of Saudi-Pakistani naval cooperation for years, reflecting the deep strategic ties between the two nations. Held periodically in the Arabian Sea, these drills focus on enhancing interoperability and readiness for joint operations. The 15th edition underscores the ongoing commitment to maritime security in a region critical to global trade and energy supplies.

Key Details

Exercise commander Rear Admiral Saleh bin Abdullah Al-Amri emphasized that ‘Naseem Al Bahr 15′ aims to enhance combat efficiency in surface, air, and subsurface warfare, as well as irregular warfare and humanitarian operations. The training also focuses on raising participants’ proficiency in maritime security operations, protecting waterways, and exercising the right to visit and inspection. The inclusion of submarine and air force assets highlights the comprehensive nature of the exercise.

International and Regional Implications

The exercise reinforces the strong bilateral relationship between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, both key players in regional stability. Amid evolving maritime security challenges in the Arabian Sea, including piracy and trafficking, such drills contribute to safeguarding sea lanes of communication. The collaboration also aligns with broader efforts to promote peace and security in the region, benefiting international trade and navigation.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Saudi Arabia’s participation in ‘Naseem Al Bahr 15’ reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to Vision 2030, which emphasizes building strategic partnerships and enhancing the capabilities of its armed forces. By engaging in joint exercises with allied nations, the RSNF gains valuable experience and technology, supporting the modernization goals of the Saudi military. This effort contributes to the long-term security and prosperity envisioned under the reform plan.

20 Questions

Q1. What is ‘Naseem Al Bahr 15’?

A1. Naseem Al Bahr 15 is a bilateral naval exercise between the Royal Saudi Naval Forces and the Pakistan Navy, held in the Arabian Sea to enhance military cooperation and interoperability.

Q2. Which countries are participating in the exercise?

A2. The exercise involves the Royal Saudi Naval Forces of Saudi Arabia and the Pakistan Navy, with support from the Pakistan Air Force.

Q3. When did the exercise commence?

A3. The exercise commenced in February 2025, as announced by the Saudi Press Agency on February 11, 2025.

Q4. Where is the exercise taking place?

A4. The exercise is taking place in the Arabian Sea, a strategic waterway for global maritime trade and security.

Q5. What assets are being used by the Saudi Navy?

A5. The Royal Saudi Naval Forces are participating with His Majesty’s ships and a helicopter.

Q6. What assets are being used by the Pakistan Navy?

A6. The Pakistan Navy is contributing naval ships, boats, and submarines, supported by the Pakistan Air Force.

Q7. Who is commanding the exercise?

A7. The exercise is commanded by Rear Admiral Saleh bin Abdullah Al-Amri of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces.

Q8. What are the main objectives of the exercise?

A8. The objectives include enhancing combat efficiency in surface, air, and subsurface warfare, as well as irregular warfare and humanitarian operations.

Q9. How does the exercise enhance maritime security?

A9. It raises proficiency in maritime security operations, protecting waterways, and exercising the right to visit and inspection.

Q10. Why is this exercise important for Saudi Arabia?

A10. It strengthens bilateral defense ties with Pakistan and improves the RSNF’s operational readiness, supporting national security goals.

Q11. How often are the Naseem Al Bahr exercises conducted?

A11. The Naseem Al Bahr exercises are conducted periodically as part of an ongoing bilateral military cooperation program between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

Q12. What is the significance of the Arabian Sea for these drills?

A12. The Arabian Sea is a vital maritime corridor for global energy supplies and trade, making security exercises there critical for regional stability.

Q13. How does Pakistan benefit from this exercise?

A13. Pakistan enhances its naval capabilities and interoperability with the Saudi navy, strengthening their strategic partnership and collective maritime security.

Q14. What types of warfare are practiced?

A14. The exercise covers surface, air, and subsurface warfare, along with irregular warfare and humanitarian assistance operations.

Q15. Does the exercise involve live-fire drills?

A15. While not specified, the exercise includes evaluation of operations, which may involve simulated or live-fire scenarios to test combat readiness.

Q16. How does this align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A16. Vision 2030 emphasizes modernizing the armed forces and building strategic partnerships; the exercise directly supports these goals by enhancing RSNF capabilities.

Q17. Are other countries involved in the exercise?

A17. The exercise is bilateral, involving only Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, with no other countries reported as participants.

Q18. What is the role of the Pakistan Air Force?

A18. The Pakistan Air Force provides support to naval assets, likely including air cover, reconnaissance, and coordination in joint operations.

Q19. How does the exercise contribute to regional peace?

A19. By improving maritime security and cooperation, the exercise helps deter threats like piracy and smuggling, promoting stability in the region.

Q20. What is the expected outcome of Naseem Al Bahr 15?

A20. The exercise aims to boost combat efficiency and interoperability, preparing both navies for coordinated responses to maritime challenges and enhancing bilateral ties.

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