Chinese, Russian And Iranian Navies Conclude Naval Drills

The Maritime Security Belt-2024 joint naval drills between China, Russia, and Iran have concluded on March 14 after two days of exercises between the three navies in the Gulf of Oman.

Involving the Russian Navy, People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), and the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy (NEDAJA), this year’s iteration is the sixth such exercise held since 2018 and also saw the participation of naval personnel from Azerbaijan, India, Kazakhstan, Oman, Pakistan and South Africa as observers for the first time.

According to the NEDAJA representative to the exercise, Second Rear Admiral Mustafa Taj al-Dini, the observing nations were observing the drills in order to become full participants in the coming years.

“These important exercises have been held for five consecutive years. The world has seen Iran, China and Russia form a new international alliance to ensure security in the northern Indian Ocean,” he added.

Russia dispatched the Slava-class guided missile cruiser and Pacific Fleet flagship Varyag and Udaloy-class frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov while Iran deployed the Alvand and Moudge-class frigates Alborz, Dera and Jamaran. Besides that, Shahid Soleimani-class missile corvettes Shahid Soleimani and Shahid Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in addition to Tondar-class fast attack craft Shahid Tavassoli from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) also took part in the drills. Furthermore, the PLAN contingent consisted of the 45th Gulf of Aden escort task force which recently concluded its mission, comprised of the Type 052D guided missile destroyer Urumqi, the Type 054A guided missile frigate Linyi and the Type 903A replenishment ship Dongpinghu.

Forces from the three navies practiced joint manoeuvring and communication drills, live-fire exercises with large-calibre and small calibre armaments at surface and air targets during the day and night in addition to anti-piracy drills with naval helicopters.

“The joint drills are conducive to enhancing exchanges and cooperation among the Chinese, Iranian and Russian navies, and it further displayed the three countries’ wills and capability in jointly safeguarding maritime security and actively building a maritime community with a shared future,” said a member of the PLAN.-shp/adj/dl (Pix:China Military)