Iranian navy to hold joint naval drills in Indian Ocean with allies
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The drills will engage multiple naval forces and are expected to conclude by March 19.
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On Monday, Iran added two new 'stealth' ships to IRGC Navy, namely the 'Martyr Sayyad Shirazi' (ID FS313-03) and 'Martyr Hassan Bagheri' (ID FS313-02) (Social Media)
Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, Commander of the Iranian Navy, disclosed to the IRIB news agency on Tuesday that the country's naval forces are set to conduct joint naval drills with allied forces in the upcoming weeks. The drills, slated to occur in the Indian Ocean, will engage at least a dozen naval forces collectively and are expected to conclude by the end of the current Iranian calendar on March 19.
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. Additionally, he 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.
Different Iranian UUVs\torpedo in service of the IRGC Navy. pic.twitter.com/Elcnf93hKr
— Yuri Lyamin (@imp_navigator) February 13, 2024
Read more: Iran has advanced military capabilities for war at distance: IRGC
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.
They have also taken part in collaborative efforts to combat piracy and maritime terrorism, exchanging information in naval rescue and relief operations, as well as sharing operational and tactical expertise to bolster the security and stability of international maritime trade.
Iran unveils domestically built warships
Iran's naval prowess was on full display as two domestically built warships, the "Shahid Baqeri" and "Shahid Sayyad Shirazi," were unveiled in a ceremony held in Bandar Abbas on Monday.
These vessels, belonging to the "Shahid Soleimani" class of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy, pay homage to the revered Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani.
Commander Alireza Tangsiri of the IRGC Navy proudly highlighted that these vessels, entirely designed by Iranians, boast impressive capabilities. Measuring 67 meters in length, they are equipped with advanced stealth technology and weaponry, including domestically produced long-range Sayyad and medium-range Navvab air defense missiles. Tangsiri emphasized their remarkable operational range, stating they can sail up to 5,500 nautical miles (9,500 km).
Powered by four engines, the warships are capable of carrying three light rocket vessels and one helicopter, further enhancing their combat effectiveness.
NEW: Two Soleimani-class missile corvettes have joined the IRGC Navy in the Persian Gulf fleet
— Higgins Adventures Network (@RandyHiggins757) February 20, 2024
The 'Martyr Sayyad Shirazi' (ID FS313-03) and 'Martyr Hassan Bagheri' (ID FS313-02) ships are now officially commissioned.
The ships are armed with attack & air defense missile… pic.twitter.com/MmmD7WjZr5
The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy received two new warships on Monday morning. pic.twitter.com/sNMRkzpaX7
— Press TV 🔻 (@PressTV) February 20, 2024
Read more: IRGC fires ballistic missiles camouflaged in containers from warship
