The Pakistan Navy and Qatar Emiri Navy conducted a bilateral exercise, Asad Al Bahr-III, in the North Arabian Sea. Qatar Emiri Naval Ship (QENS) Al Khor (F103), Al Zubarah Class guided missile frigate participated in the exercise alongside Pakistan Navy Ships PNS Shamsheer (FFG 253) and PNS Aslat (FFG 254). Both ships are F-22P Zulfiquar class-guided missile frigates.
Operations including Maritime Interdiction Operations, Search and Rescue, and Air Defence exercises were conducted during the bilateral exercise. The exercise aimed to work out interoperability while handling various challenges in the regional Maritime arena.
”Conduct of bilateral exercise like Asad Al Bahr-III will not only help in harnessing interoperability concerning joint operations between both regional Navies but also mushroom avenues of bilateral defense ties”, the Pakistan Navy’s press release said. It also stated, “Conduct of joint exercises with regional Navies is a manifestation of Pakistan Navy’s resolve of handling traditional and nontraditional challenges in Maritime domain so as to ensure safety and security of seafarers in the region”.
