According to information published October 3, 2021, a joint naval exercise "Naseem Al Bahr 13" between the Pakistan Navy and Royal Naval Forces of Saudi Arabia began in Karachi including Al-Riyadh-class frigate Al Riyadh.
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Al Riyadh-class frigate Al Riyadh at Karachia, Pakistan (Picture source: Twitter account of 92 HD News Plus)
The exercise is aimed at consolidating the existing bilateral relations between Pakistan Navy and Royal Saudi Naval Forces.
During the exercise, joint maritime security operations will be conducted across traditional and non-traditional warfare domains, enhancing inter-operability between both navies. In addition to naval ships of both countries, aviation units and aircraft of RSAF will also participate during this exercise.
Al Riyadh (812) is an Al Riyadh-class frigate of the Royal Saudi Navy.
The three Al Riyadh-class ships are an expanded anti-air version of the French La Fayette class, displacing about 4,700 tonnes (4,600 long tons) and extended to 133 m (436 ft 4 in) in length.
The ships' combat systems are produced by Armaris (a DCN/Thales joint venture) and are armed with the Aster 15 missile. The Aster missiles use the DCN SYLVER launcher. As with the La Fayette class the primary offensive weapon is the anti-surface Exocet missile. The ships' main gun is the Oto Melara 76 mm/62 Super Rapid gun replacing the 100 mm TR automatic gun. There are also four 533 mm (21.0 in) aft torpedo tubes. The ship is armed with the DCNS F17 heavyweight anti-submarine torpedo.
The ships are capable of a maximum speed of 24.5 knots (45.4 km/h; 28.2 mph) with a maximum range of 7,000 nautical miles (13,000 km; 8,100 mi).
