KARACHI: The bilateral exercise, White Star IV, between the navies of Pakistan and the United Kingdom concluded in the Arabian Sea on Thursday.

HMS Lancaster, with an embarked helicopter, was in Karachi for the exercise. It arrived at Karachi Port earlier in the week and was warmly welcomed by senior officials of the Pakistan Navy and the British High Commission.

On completion of the port visit, Pakistan Navy Ships Taimur and Aslat, maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters and Pakistan Air Force fighters carried out a two-day bilateral exercise with the Royal Navy ship and helicopter.

The exercise covered a range of advanced operational drills encompassing major facets of maritime warfare, operations, live gunnery firing and defence against asymmetric threats. The exercise is aimed to further enhance collaboration through mutual exchange of experience and improve interoperability between the two navies.

“Exercise White Star is a testimony of Pakistan Navy’s resolve to contribute towards regional peace and stability and enhance interoperability,” a press release issued here said.

Published in Dawn, September 1st, 2023