Three domestically produced warships participated in the recent joint naval and airborne exercises with China and Russia, dubbed Security Belt 2024, which are taking place in the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean between March 11 and 15.

The Commander of the IRGC Navy's Imam Ali Base in Chabahar, Rear Admiral Mohammad Nozari, identified the warships as Shahid Mahmoudi, Shahid Soleimani, and Shahid Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, in addition to the Tondar-class Shahid Tavassoli frigate and other IRGC naval fast attack boats.

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Admiral Nozari revealed that the exercise covers an area of 17 thousand square kilometers and spans across three of the world's five strategic straits located in the northern Indian Ocean region; a crucial global hub for energy and maritime traffic.

He said the military vessels operated alongside IRGC sea helicopters and marine forces in the war games.

The ships are equipped with locally manufactured advanced munitions and can sail for prolonged periods to carry out long-haul missions.

A video of #Iran-Russia-China joint naval drill, known as “Marine Security Belt 2024” in the Sea of Oman. pic.twitter.com/8bIAmKFjtd

— IRNA News Agency (@IrnaEnglish) March 13, 2024

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The senior military official noted that the IRGC warships, equipped with indigenously manufactured sophisticated munitions, can undertake long-haul missions in oceans and open seas and ensure prolonged naval presence.

The drills included, among others, Russia’s Varyag missile cruiser and the Marshal Shaposhnikov frigate as well as China’s Urumqi guided missile destroyer and the Linyi guided missile frigate.

According to Admiral Nozari, along with demonstrative efforts to “enhance regional security,” the war games aim at strengthening multilateral cooperation and “forging a maritime community with a collective destiny.”

Combat maritime terrorism

On his part, drill spokesperson Admiral Mostafa Tajeddini said that the drill's main object is to bolster “the security of international maritime trade, combating piracy and maritime terrorism.”

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“We have been saying for years that the security of the northern Indian Ocean should be maintained by regional countries and those with any interests there. We have taken on this pivotal role for the past five years and we have been working alongside our two friend countries – Russia and China," he said.

"This year, several countries have sent observers, and we hope to expand this kind of cooperation with the regional countries in order to increase security and to fight against sea terrorism and piracy,” Tajeddini added.

He also mentioned that the drill includes a range of tactical maneuvers, including extinguishing fires on vessels, freeing hijacked merchant ships, targeting specific objectives, carrying out nighttime aerial target operations, and various other tactical and operational exercises.

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Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Oman, Pakistan, and South Africa have all sent delegations to participate in the exercise as observers.

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.