AMAN (naval exercise)

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AMAN (Peace in Urdu) is a multilateral naval exercise hosted by the Pakistan Navy in the Arabian Sea. Its goal is to promote peace, stability, and cooperation among participating navies, improve communication, and demonstrate commitment to safe sea lanes. The biennial event includes professional drills, seminars, social events, and sports, with ships, aircraft, and observers from many countries.

AMAN began in March 2007 and is held roughly every two years, with 2015 skipped. Each edition usually features two phases: a harbor phase, with opening ceremonies, conferences, ship visits, and cultural events; and a sea phase, with practical drills such as anti-piracy, counterterrorism, search-and-rescue, live-fire demonstrations, and air-defense exercises. The theme has consistently been “Together for Peace.”

Over the years, participation has grown from dozens of navies to widespread international involvement. Early editions saw 28 navies in AMAN-07, with many more in later years; participants have included China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, Australia, France, Italy, and others. The exercises also involve special forces, explosive ordnance disposal teams, and various observers, highlighting interoperability and cooperative security in the Indian Ocean.

AMAN-21 (2021) featured two phases and observers from many nations, with ships, planes, and SOF/EOD units taking part. AMAN-23 (2023) involved about 50 nations and a similar mix of assets and activities. The ninth edition, AMAN-25 (2025), held in Karachi and the Arabian Sea, was the largest yet, with 60+ countries and the launch of the AMAN Dialogue to discuss global maritime challenges. The event also supports broader initiatives like the Pakistan International Maritime Exhibition and Conference (PIMEC) to promote the country’s blue economy.