Iran, Russia launch search-and-rescue drill in Caspian Sea
Iran and Russia on Monday launched a joint search-and-rescue drill in the Caspian Sea with the aim of enhancing the level of cooperation and examining the capabilities of their forces.
Naval forces from Iran’s Navy, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps’ Navy, and Iran’s Law Enforcement Command on behalf of Iran and Navy of the Russian Federation are taking part in the drill, codenamed CASAREX 2025.
The three-day exercise, held under the banner “Together for a Safe and Secure Caspian Sea,” is hosted by the Northern Fleet of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Navy.
Military observers from other Caspian littoral states will also be in attendance.
Spokesperson for CASAREX 2025 Second Admiral Mohsen Razzaghi said that the hybrid exercises are taking place in two coastal and maritime phases in the Caspian Sea.
According to the spokesperson, the objectives of the exercise are to demonstrate the capabilities of regional naval forces in establishing security and safety, enhance the confidence of vessel personnel and operational units, and foster cohesion among the naval forces of Caspian Sea states.
Earlier on Monday, the Iranian Army announced that Russian vessel SB738 entered the exercise area and was welcomed by Iran’s Naval Forces.
Meanwhile, the commander of the Russian vessel expressed hope that such exercises would strengthen cooperation between the two countries, and that they could continue conducting such drills regularly.