Pakistani and US navies will conduct a 10-day joint exercise in the North Arabian sea starting from Monday, the Associated Press of Pakistan reported.

A press conference in this regard was held onboard US ship KAUFFMAN in Karachi before the exercise, wherein Commodore Hank Miranda of US Navy and Commodore Azhar Hayat of Pakistan Navy gave details of the exercise to the reporters and responded to their queries.

The exercise, which would last for 10 days, was named as " Inspired Union-2005." It was a combination of inspired siren and inspired response, two bilateral exercises conducted annually between US and Pakistan Navy force.

The exercise focused on training in anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, mine counter measures, air defense, electronic warfare, replenishment at sea and command and control.

"Inspired Union 2005" would provide an opportunity to US and Pakistani navies to refine inter-operability and tactical proficiency between coalition and regional forces which might be used as part of regional maritime security operations.

This would also develop the skills to deter terrorists acts using the maritime environment, said the official news agency.

Two US navy frigates, a submarine and several air assets participated in the exercise in addition to Pakistani navy ships, submarines, special services units and aircraft.

Source: Xinhua