China, Pakistan start largest ever joint naval drills
The Chinese and Pakistani navies have embarked on their most extensive joint exercise to date, aimed at bolstering their capacities to collectively protect strategic sea routes and maintain regional peace and stability.
The Sea Guardian-3 joint maritime exercise commenced with an opening ceremony at the Karachi Naval Dockyard, according to a report by China Central Television (CCTV).
The participating forces from the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy include the Type 052D guided missile destroyer Zibo and the Type 054A guided missile destroyers Jingzhou and Linyi, as reported by CCTV.
Additionally, Pakistani media has noted the involvement of a conventional attack submarine, a submarine support ship, and a marine corps detachment from the PLA Navy.
Focused on addressing maritime security threats, the nine-day exercise in the northern Arabian Sea will feature various training courses such as formation maneuvering, VBSS (visit, board, search and seizure), helicopter cross-deck landing, joint search and rescue, joint anti-submarine activities, and main gun shooting. The program also includes professional exchanges and mutual visits.
This marks the third and largest edition of the Sea Guardian exercises, following the inaugural event in 2020 in the northern Arabian Sea and the second edition in 2022 off the coast of Shanghai.
Rear Admiral Liang Yang, commander at a PLA Navy base and the general director of the exercise from the Chinese side, expressed during the opening ceremony, "The exercise is dedicated to enhancing the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, boosting defense cooperation, and deepening professional collaboration." He further expressed his hope that the two navies can strengthen their joint operational capabilities in addressing maritime security threats and upholding maritime peace.
This joint effort follows China's recent delivery of all four Type 054A/P guided missile frigates to the Pakistani Navy in May, coupled with the simultaneous construction of Hangor-class submarines in both China and Pakistan. The exercise underscores the commitment of both nations to fostering a strong and cooperative defense partnership.
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