Chinese, Pakistani navies begin marine phase of exercise
Dated 25/11/2005
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Karachi: The marine phase of a China-Pakistan naval exercise commenced in the Arabian Sea today on the conclusion of harbour drills.
Surface ships along with helicopters were pitched and tested in wartime scenario including the rehearsal of a collective response to large-scale disasters like tsunami.
The joint exercise also included search and rescue from helicopters, advanced manoeuvres and cross deck transfers, etc.
The exercise offered an excellent opportunity to the two country's navies to refine interoperability and tactical proficiency, a Pakistan navy spokesman said.
Officers and men from both sides got a chance to dwell upon their standard operating procedures and figure out areas where improvement could be made.
For the Pakistani Navy, it was a perfect setting to closely monitor the characteristics and operational capabilities of Chinese technology, the spokesman said.
With ''Chinese ships already in its inventory, Pakistan Navy has shaped its course for acquisition of F-22 P frigates,'' he added.
Pakistan is to buy four F-22P frigates from China by year 2013 with the first ship entering the service by end of 2008. Three ships will be built in China while the fourth one will be constructed by indigenously by Pakistani experts.
