ISLAMABAD: The joint military exercise between the Special Operations Forces (SOFs) of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) and the Special Service Group (SSG) of the Pakistan Navy has concluded in Karachi with an impressive display of firepower, according to a statement issued by Pakistan Navy on Wednesday.
A news release issued by the Directorate General Public Relations, Pakistan Navy said the exercise “Affaa Al Sahel VII” concluded with an intense Final Test Exercise (FTX).
“Commander Coast, Rear Admiral Faisal Amin, along with senior military officials from both sides, witnessed the exercise, it said.
During the exercise, RSNF SOFs and SSG (N) teams demonstrated advanced tactics and drills, including joint live-fire exercises, precision raid operations, and dynamic rappelling manoeuvres in a simulated high-threat environment.
“The drills focused on counter-terrorism response, hostage rescue scenarios, and coordinated maritime interventions, highlighting their ability to operate seamlessly under high-pressure situations,” said the news release.
Ex Affaa Al Sahel VII amongst SOFs of RSNF & PN SSG concluded with Final Test Exercise. Cdr Coast R/Adm Faisal Amin & Snr Mil officials of both navies witnessed it. Both teams demonstrated tactics & drills, incl joint firing Ex, precision raid ops & dynamic rappelling. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/XmmPR2rc5c
— DGPR (Navy) (@dgprPaknavy) February 19, 2025
It said the successful conduct of Affaa Al Sahel VII reflects the growing cooperation between the RSNF and the Pakistan Navy.
“The joint exercise aimed to enhance interoperability and tactical proficiency, further strengthening the capabilities of SOFs in addressing common maritime security challenges,” it added.
This comes after Naseem Al Bahr-XV, another bilateral naval exercise between the two countries, as well as Aman 2025, a multinational maritime drill focused on fostering regional maritime cooperation.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia maintain close defence ties, with their navies regularly participating in joint exercises to enhance maritime security and counter asymmetric threats in the region.
