Russia, China, Iran begin joint naval drills in Persian gulf
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The Iranian navy will deploy several warships, including the Jamaran, Alvand, and Bayandor destroyers, along with frigates Neyzeh, Genaveh, Nayband, and Bahregan.
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In this photo provided Tuesday, March 12, 2024, by the Iranian Army, warships enter the Iranian waters prior to the start of a joint naval drill of Iran, Russia, and China in the Indian Ocean. (AP)
Russian and Chinese warships have entered the Persian Gulf to participate in joint military exercises alongside Iran's naval forces and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Iranian media reported on Monday. The 7th edition of the Marine Security Belt drills, involving Russia, China, and Iran, will take place in the northern part of the Indian Ocean, according to the IRNA news agency.
Several countries will observe the drills, including Azerbaijan, South Africa, Oman, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Qatar, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, and Sri Lanka. These nations are expected to monitor the maneuvers, which highlight growing military cooperation among non-Western powers.
The Iranian navy will deploy several warships, including the Jamaran, Alvand, and Bayandor destroyers, along with frigates Neyzeh, Genaveh, Nayband, and Bahregan. The IRGC will also participate with frigates Shahid Sayyad Shirazi, Shahid Rouhi, and Shahid Mahmoudi, according to Iranian media reports.
The drills, scheduled to begin Tuesday in the Iranian port city of Chabahar, will focus on enhancing regional security and strengthening military coordination. A range of naval operations will be conducted, including search and rescue missions, counter-piracy maneuvers, and artillery exercises.
China's naval forces contributed a destroyer and a supply ship, while Russia has deployed two corvettes and a tanker for the training exercises.
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