DOHA, March 17 (KUNA) -- The Qatari Amiri Naval Forces (QANF) conducted joint drills separately with the Italian and Indian naval forces in Qatar's territorial waters on Saturday.
Qatar's missile boat Al-Debal, led by Lt.-Col. Falah Al-Ahbabi, and Italy's anti-submarine frigate Carlo Margottini, led by Commander Giuseppe Lai, took part in the first exercise, according to a statement by the Moral Guidance Dept. of the Qatari Defense Ministry.
The exercise aimed to share experience and train the personnel of both navies on how to defend a ship in case of an external attack, the statement noted.
The joint drill with the Indian Navy gathered Qatar's missile boat Al Ghariya II, commanded by Maj. Ghanim Al-Kaabi and the Indian destroyer INS Kolkata, commanded by Col. Susheel Menon.
It aimed to train the crews of both ships on how to intercept, board and inspect a hostile vessel, in addition to searching and fire-fighting activities.
The two joint exercises followed the fifth Doha International Maritime Defense Exhibition and Conference (Dimdex 2018) which took place on March 12-14. (end) nnd.gb