Russian, Chinese, Iranian joint naval drills kick off in Gulf of Oman

WORLD, March 13 (YPA) – Russia, China, and Iran have begun joint drills in the Gulf of Oman on 12 March, marking their fifth joint military exercise in recent years.

“The exercise involves more than 20 ships, support ships, and warships of the Russian Navy, the Iranian Navy, and the PLA Navy. Naval aviation helicopters are also widely used,” Russia’s Defense Ministry said.

The ministry also noted that during the drills, “the combat ships of the three countries will jointly maneuver and conduct firing at surface and air targets, as well as hone elements to liberate the ship hijacked by the pirates.”

Dubbed Maritime Security Belt 2024, the joint naval drill will additionally host observers from the naval delegations of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Oman, Pakistan, and South Africa.

China has sent guided-missile destroyer Urumqi, guided-missile frigate Linyi, and comprehensive supply ship Dongpinghu to participate in the exercise.

A report from Iran’s state television quoted the spokesperson for the exercises, Admiral Mustafa Tajeddini, stating that the joint maneuvers would take place in the northern Indian Ocean, covering an area of 17,000 square kilometers (6,600 square miles) of waters.

E.M