MOSCOW, March 13: The naval forces of Russia, China and Iran have started joint naval exercises in the Gulf of Oman, the fifth such exercise in recent years.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, warships will take part in the drills on Friday, and the purpose of these drills is to ensure the security of the maritime economy.
Russian fleet arrives
Russian state media reported that a group of Russian fleets led by the Varyag cruiser arrived in Iran’s Chabahar port from the Pacific Ocean, where observers from Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Oman, South Africa and India watched it.
Coincidentally, these military exercises are taking place at a time when the war in Gaza is reaching its peak, and the Iranian-backed Houthis in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab are constantly targeting commercial and military ships linked to the US and Israel.
China’s Ministry of Defense says the drills are called “Maritime Security Belt-2024” and aim to enhance joint maritime security.
China’s guided-missile Urumqi, guided-missile frigate Linyi and supply ship Dongpinghu will participate in the drills, China’s Ministry of Defense said without providing further details.
Exercises aimed at countering piracy
According to the Iranian state media, the purpose of these naval exercises is to protect and promote maritime security and to counter piracy and maritime terrorism.
These exercises are taking place when the US-led coalition has been engaged in operations against the Houthis in the Red Sea since December.
