Iran, Russia, China to hold joint naval drills today
The navies of Iran, Russia and China will hold new military drills off the coast of Iran today in a bid to enhance naval cooperation.
The navies of the three countries will kick off joint drills, codenamed “Security Belt 2025”, in the northern Indian Ocean with the aim of promoting security in the area and enhancing trilateral naval cooperation.
Vessels from the Iranian Navy and the Naval Force of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps will take part in the drills that mark the seventh edition of “Security Belt” exercises by Iran, Russia and China, the media office for Iran’s military drills said in a report.
Azerbaijan, South Africa, Oman, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Qatar, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates and Sri Lanka will attend as observers.
China will deploy “a destroyer and a supply ship,” China’s Defense Ministry said on the WeChat social media network.
According to the Chinese Defense Ministry, “the aim is to strengthen military mutual trust and foster pragmatic cooperation among the naval forces of the participating countries.”
The Iranian Army conducted drills in the same area in February to “strengthen defense capabilities against any threat.”
The three countries have held similar exercises in the region in recent years.
They have also been involved in joint efforts aimed at countering piracy and maritime terrorism, exchanging information in naval rescue and relief operations as well as sharing operational and tactical experience.