fatman17
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Maritime security requirements & Pak Navy
About 70% of our planet is covered by the oceans. Sea facilitates inexpensive transportation of men and material in bulk and also provides valuable mineral resources and seafood for the prosperity of mankind. It is estimated that the transportation of freight by sea is 10 times cheaper than rail, 45 times cheaper than road and 163 times cheaper than air. In todays world the oceans have increased importance as more than 80 percent of the world trade is by sea; it forges a global maritime link. Through the Arabian Sea, pass some of the most important trade routes of the world emanating from Gulf carrying oil for the regional as well as international markets. Nearly 90% of energy goods from Gulf are transported through sea. Approximately 15 million barrels of oil are shipped through Arabian Sea daily. Any interruption of this traffic would have devastating effects on economies of developing as well as the developed countries and would worsen the existing global energy crisis.
The Asian region has become the fastest growing and most dynamic sector of the global economy, with increasing dependence on seaborne trade. As a consequence, Sea Lines of Communication (SLOC) security, which is the bedrock of Asian economic growth, becomes a global concern. While the countries of North Asia are the economic powerhouse of Asia, the South Asian sea-lanes through which their trade passes especially the choke points become critical to any consideration of SLOC security, as does the role of navies in their protection.
The post 9/11 security environment has also expanded the potential range of threats and vulnerabilitys associated with seaborne trade. This implies that apart from military threats to the seaborne trade, non military threats like pollution spills, piracy and above all terrorist attacks could also endanger maritime trade. However, it is the threats from the terrorist networks which has the greatest potential to disrupt the global trade. The infamous attack on USS COLE by suicide bombers in Yemen and the attack against a French Super Tanker LIMBURG near Babel Mandeb indicate the intentions and the capabilities of these outfits. Thus, maritime security has become a matter of serious concern which requires a fresh look for preserving the freedom of seas and its resources. In the context of measures to ensure the security of seaborne trade against the threat of terrorism, it is essential that a proper balance is maintained between security on the one hand and the free movement of trade on the other. Although, there are number of conventions, regimes and multilateral instruments on trade, security, sea exploration, fishing and environmental issues, these are not totally effective in enforcing barriers to illegal trade, environmental disorder and security threats. So there is a need for rationalization of international regulations and mechanisms to undertake effective measures against maritime threats. As the worlds national economies are becoming more closely integrated, it is imperative that nations coordinate and collectively integrate their security activities to secure the maritime domain.
Naval Forces because of their inherent mobility, poise, reach and sustainment provide the necessary means and wherewithal to ensure security of nations maritime interest. Collectively these forces can deter threats to the global trade. Naval forces have an established ability not only to influence the events on land but can also be employed to enforce law or to implement a regime established by international mandate. Sea-borne trade represents a vital lifeline for Pakistan. With the development of sea ports at Gwadar, Ormara and expansion of facilities at Karachi and Port Qasim, Pakistan is on the threshold of becoming a major conduit for the trade and commerce. Pakistans own ninety-five percent of trade with the outside world is sea borne. For Pakistan, with major ports at Karachi, Bin Qasim and Gwadar, sea trade is the jugular vein of the economy. Any disruption of the SLOCs or port closures will be detrimental to Pakistans economy. This entails a strong Navy.
Pakistan Navy is cognisant of its responsibility to provide security to its ports, harbours and protecting sea lines of communication (SLOCs). Pakistan Navy since its inception has developed progressively and has transformed into a fairly modern and sophisticated medium sized force. The expansion of Navy along the Makran coast is indicative of an increased role of PN vis-à-vis protection of its maritime interests. While the dependence of Pakistan on sea borne trade is likely to rise therefore Pakistans interest in the Indian Ocean particularly the North Arabian Sea is quiet evident. Against this backdrop Pakistan Navy has an added responsibility to provide security to its shipping and sea borne trade and maintain peace and stability in the region.
In consonance with Pakistans government stance to fight terrorism in all its manifestation Pakistan Navy is contributing significantly towards counter terrorism efforts by participating in Coalition Maritime Campaign Plan; the maritime component of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT). More specifically, it is a US led Maritime Operation being conducted in support of the Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).
This maritime operation is aimed at interrupting the flow of personnel and material that may support international terrorist organizations and is being conducted in the international waters of the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility. It is a matter of pride that despite limited experience in policing role, PN Fleet has contributed enormously in the campaign. Pakistan Navy being the only navy of the region to form part of the coalition maritime campaign plan has been instrumental in ensuring peace and stability in the vital sea lanes of North Arabian Sea by carrying out effective surveillance and interdiction operations in assigned area of responsibility. In recognition of Pakistans ability, Pakistan has twice been given the command of the Task Force 150. In March 2007, Pakistan Navy moved a step further in counter terrorism operations when it hosted and organized the maiden multinational exercise AMAN 07.
This exercise was aimed at displaying united resolve against terrorism and projecting Pakistan as a country contributing towards peace and stability as well as consolidating Pakistan Navys position in the regional maritime domain. Exercise AMAN 07 was designed to develop and improve response tactics, techniques, and procedures with focus on Global War on Terrorism. It was based on offensive and defensive operations to protect sea lines of communication and port infrastructure of a country against asymmetric threat. The main objectives of the multi national exercise included following: a. Improve inter-operability and tactical proficiency. b. Conduct defense of port infrastructure including anchorage against an asymmetric threat. c. Practice anti surface warfare and air operations. d. Develop common tactics against asymmetric air, surface, and mine threats. e. Integration of Maritime Patrol Aircrafts and Fighters into various GWOT related exercises. f. Conduct of mine counter measure operations.
This joint maritime exercise was not only of great tactical and operational value for the participating navies but it also reiterated the already existing friendly ties between regional and extra regional navies. The exercise, at the strategic level, brought out the fact that the Indian Ocean and the northern part of Arabian Sea are of great strategic where Pakistan has a tremendous role to play in the security and peace of this region.
Besides the harbour and sea phase of the Exercise, an international maritime conference on maritime threats and opportunities in the 21st century was also organized during AMAN 07 at Karachi. The conference featured high-level presentations focusing specially on issues related to maritime threats and opportunities for preserving the freedom of seas and sustainable utilization of its resources towards benefit of humanity.
The goals of the maritime conference were as follow: a. Enhance awareness on importance of oceans and its resources through information sharing and mutual understanding. b. Identify areas of common interest for group analysis and dialogue. c. Mobilize consensus of opinion on emerging issues confronting Indian Ocean maritime domain. d. Make recommendations to minimize threats and promote opportunities in areas of the mutual interests.
AMAN-07 besides enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation among friendly navies also helped in enhancing interoperability with regional and extra-regional navies. Successful culmination of AMAN-07 and participation by the navies and the observers from 27 countries clearly manifest PN capacity to undertake such venture in future as well. Pakistan being an important regional country, considers itself responsible for contributing toward peace, safety and stability in the region; which in turn will ensure uninterrupted global economic activities in the region through maritime sector.
There is no denying the fact that AMAN 09 will consolidate the lessons gained in year 2007 and will continue to foster peace and stability in the region. Pakistan Navy has always responded to the emerging requirements in a befitting manner. Pakistan Navys efforts in maintaining peace and stability in the region, especially in the maritime sector are highly appreciated and recognized throughout the world. Defence Observer.
About 70% of our planet is covered by the oceans. Sea facilitates inexpensive transportation of men and material in bulk and also provides valuable mineral resources and seafood for the prosperity of mankind. It is estimated that the transportation of freight by sea is 10 times cheaper than rail, 45 times cheaper than road and 163 times cheaper than air. In todays world the oceans have increased importance as more than 80 percent of the world trade is by sea; it forges a global maritime link. Through the Arabian Sea, pass some of the most important trade routes of the world emanating from Gulf carrying oil for the regional as well as international markets. Nearly 90% of energy goods from Gulf are transported through sea. Approximately 15 million barrels of oil are shipped through Arabian Sea daily. Any interruption of this traffic would have devastating effects on economies of developing as well as the developed countries and would worsen the existing global energy crisis.
The Asian region has become the fastest growing and most dynamic sector of the global economy, with increasing dependence on seaborne trade. As a consequence, Sea Lines of Communication (SLOC) security, which is the bedrock of Asian economic growth, becomes a global concern. While the countries of North Asia are the economic powerhouse of Asia, the South Asian sea-lanes through which their trade passes especially the choke points become critical to any consideration of SLOC security, as does the role of navies in their protection.
The post 9/11 security environment has also expanded the potential range of threats and vulnerabilitys associated with seaborne trade. This implies that apart from military threats to the seaborne trade, non military threats like pollution spills, piracy and above all terrorist attacks could also endanger maritime trade. However, it is the threats from the terrorist networks which has the greatest potential to disrupt the global trade. The infamous attack on USS COLE by suicide bombers in Yemen and the attack against a French Super Tanker LIMBURG near Babel Mandeb indicate the intentions and the capabilities of these outfits. Thus, maritime security has become a matter of serious concern which requires a fresh look for preserving the freedom of seas and its resources. In the context of measures to ensure the security of seaborne trade against the threat of terrorism, it is essential that a proper balance is maintained between security on the one hand and the free movement of trade on the other. Although, there are number of conventions, regimes and multilateral instruments on trade, security, sea exploration, fishing and environmental issues, these are not totally effective in enforcing barriers to illegal trade, environmental disorder and security threats. So there is a need for rationalization of international regulations and mechanisms to undertake effective measures against maritime threats. As the worlds national economies are becoming more closely integrated, it is imperative that nations coordinate and collectively integrate their security activities to secure the maritime domain.
Naval Forces because of their inherent mobility, poise, reach and sustainment provide the necessary means and wherewithal to ensure security of nations maritime interest. Collectively these forces can deter threats to the global trade. Naval forces have an established ability not only to influence the events on land but can also be employed to enforce law or to implement a regime established by international mandate. Sea-borne trade represents a vital lifeline for Pakistan. With the development of sea ports at Gwadar, Ormara and expansion of facilities at Karachi and Port Qasim, Pakistan is on the threshold of becoming a major conduit for the trade and commerce. Pakistans own ninety-five percent of trade with the outside world is sea borne. For Pakistan, with major ports at Karachi, Bin Qasim and Gwadar, sea trade is the jugular vein of the economy. Any disruption of the SLOCs or port closures will be detrimental to Pakistans economy. This entails a strong Navy.
Pakistan Navy is cognisant of its responsibility to provide security to its ports, harbours and protecting sea lines of communication (SLOCs). Pakistan Navy since its inception has developed progressively and has transformed into a fairly modern and sophisticated medium sized force. The expansion of Navy along the Makran coast is indicative of an increased role of PN vis-à-vis protection of its maritime interests. While the dependence of Pakistan on sea borne trade is likely to rise therefore Pakistans interest in the Indian Ocean particularly the North Arabian Sea is quiet evident. Against this backdrop Pakistan Navy has an added responsibility to provide security to its shipping and sea borne trade and maintain peace and stability in the region.
In consonance with Pakistans government stance to fight terrorism in all its manifestation Pakistan Navy is contributing significantly towards counter terrorism efforts by participating in Coalition Maritime Campaign Plan; the maritime component of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT). More specifically, it is a US led Maritime Operation being conducted in support of the Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).
This maritime operation is aimed at interrupting the flow of personnel and material that may support international terrorist organizations and is being conducted in the international waters of the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility. It is a matter of pride that despite limited experience in policing role, PN Fleet has contributed enormously in the campaign. Pakistan Navy being the only navy of the region to form part of the coalition maritime campaign plan has been instrumental in ensuring peace and stability in the vital sea lanes of North Arabian Sea by carrying out effective surveillance and interdiction operations in assigned area of responsibility. In recognition of Pakistans ability, Pakistan has twice been given the command of the Task Force 150. In March 2007, Pakistan Navy moved a step further in counter terrorism operations when it hosted and organized the maiden multinational exercise AMAN 07.
This exercise was aimed at displaying united resolve against terrorism and projecting Pakistan as a country contributing towards peace and stability as well as consolidating Pakistan Navys position in the regional maritime domain. Exercise AMAN 07 was designed to develop and improve response tactics, techniques, and procedures with focus on Global War on Terrorism. It was based on offensive and defensive operations to protect sea lines of communication and port infrastructure of a country against asymmetric threat. The main objectives of the multi national exercise included following: a. Improve inter-operability and tactical proficiency. b. Conduct defense of port infrastructure including anchorage against an asymmetric threat. c. Practice anti surface warfare and air operations. d. Develop common tactics against asymmetric air, surface, and mine threats. e. Integration of Maritime Patrol Aircrafts and Fighters into various GWOT related exercises. f. Conduct of mine counter measure operations.
This joint maritime exercise was not only of great tactical and operational value for the participating navies but it also reiterated the already existing friendly ties between regional and extra regional navies. The exercise, at the strategic level, brought out the fact that the Indian Ocean and the northern part of Arabian Sea are of great strategic where Pakistan has a tremendous role to play in the security and peace of this region.
Besides the harbour and sea phase of the Exercise, an international maritime conference on maritime threats and opportunities in the 21st century was also organized during AMAN 07 at Karachi. The conference featured high-level presentations focusing specially on issues related to maritime threats and opportunities for preserving the freedom of seas and sustainable utilization of its resources towards benefit of humanity.
The goals of the maritime conference were as follow: a. Enhance awareness on importance of oceans and its resources through information sharing and mutual understanding. b. Identify areas of common interest for group analysis and dialogue. c. Mobilize consensus of opinion on emerging issues confronting Indian Ocean maritime domain. d. Make recommendations to minimize threats and promote opportunities in areas of the mutual interests.
AMAN-07 besides enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation among friendly navies also helped in enhancing interoperability with regional and extra-regional navies. Successful culmination of AMAN-07 and participation by the navies and the observers from 27 countries clearly manifest PN capacity to undertake such venture in future as well. Pakistan being an important regional country, considers itself responsible for contributing toward peace, safety and stability in the region; which in turn will ensure uninterrupted global economic activities in the region through maritime sector.
There is no denying the fact that AMAN 09 will consolidate the lessons gained in year 2007 and will continue to foster peace and stability in the region. Pakistan Navy has always responded to the emerging requirements in a befitting manner. Pakistan Navys efforts in maintaining peace and stability in the region, especially in the maritime sector are highly appreciated and recognized throughout the world. Defence Observer.
