The 2024 Marine Security Belt naval exercise has kicked off, with the Chinese, Iranian, and Russian navies engaging in joint drills in the Gulf of Oman, making it their fifth common military exercise in recent years.

All three countries have addressed these drills specifying the goal behind them. 

The Russian Defense Ministry announced that the exercises will happen through Friday, adding that they include warships and aviation, with the protection of “maritime economic activity" being their main goal.

Russian state media also reported that a bunch of ships from Russia’s Pacific Fleet, led by the Varyag cruiser, arrived at the Iranian port of Chabahar on March 11 before the drills that will have observers from the navies of Azerbaijan, India, Kazakhstan, Oman, Pakistan, and South Africa.

In addition, China’s Defense Ministry stated that the drills known as “Maritime Security Belt 2024” are aimed at “jointly maintaining regional maritime security."

It added, with no further elaboration, “China will send […] guided-missile destroyer Urumqi, guided-missile frigate Linyi, and comprehensive supply ship Dongpinghu to participate in the exercise."

As for Iran, it said that the aim behind these drills is to boost “the security of international maritime trade, combating piracy and maritime terrorism," among others.

Iranian Navy present in naval waters since 2009

Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, Commander of the Iranian Navy, disclosed to IRIB News Agency on February 20 that the country's naval forces are set to conduct these currently initiated joint naval drills with allied forces.

The commander highlighted that the Iranian navy has maintained a presence in international waters since 2009, aiming to safeguard maritime transportation and ensure the security of commercial ships and tankers. He also noted that the country's navy frequently conducts patrols in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea to protect surrounding water bodies.

Furthermore, Irani emphasized that Iranian naval units have been tasked with safeguarding naval routes and providing security for merchant vessels and oil tankers, whether owned or leased by Iran or other countries. He added that Iran’s naval forces have occasionally responded to distress calls from foreign commercial ships.

Iran's Navy in recent years has achieved unprecedented self-sufficiency in manufacturing surface and sub-surface vessels. It has also expanded its presence in international waters to safeguard naval routes and ensure the security of merchant vessels and tankers.

The Iranian naval forces have frequently conducted military drills with various countries, including Russia, China, and Pakistan, to enhance their combat readiness.