HMS Lancaster and Pakistan's PNS Shamsheer Collaborate in Counter-Terrorism and Warfare Drills

The Royal Navy’s HMS Lancaster recently participated in a significant counter-terrorism operation, conducting a Passing Exercise (PASSEX) with Pakistan’s naval ship PNS Shamsheer in the Arabian Sea. This joint effort, organized by the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) under Task Force (CTF) 150, highlights the ongoing commitment to enhancing maritime security through multinational cooperation.

Commander Chris Chew RN, Commanding Officer of HMS Lancaster, emphasized the importance of these collaborative exercises, stating: “Engaging in joint operations with international partners is critical for strengthening relationships and ensuring success in maritime security missions. These partnerships are essential when operating within the Combined Maritime Forces framework.”

The exercise featured a variety of joint manoeuvres, communication drills, and surface warfare exercises. These activities were aimed at enhancing tactical proficiency and ensuring smooth coordination between allied forces, especially when addressing unconventional threats. PNS Shamsheer, a multi-role guided missile frigate, worked alongside HMS Lancaster, a Duke-class Type 23 frigate based in Devonport, Plymouth, to exchange tactical knowledge and bolster the security capabilities of both navies.

Task Force 150, one of five units within the CMF, is primarily focused on counter-terrorism and ensuring the safety of international waters in the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and Gulf of Oman. A spokesperson for CMF underscored the significance of these operations, saying, “Collaborative exercises like this are crucial for fostering trust, building strong alliances, and achieving shared goals in maritime security.”

This operation marks yet another step in strengthening global maritime partnerships, demonstrating the effectiveness of international cooperation in safeguarding the world’s critical sea lanes.