Iran (IMNA) - The maritime exercises, called "naval security belt joint war game 202," began on March 15 and will last until March 19, according to a statement issued by China's Ministry of National Defense on Wednesday.
The maneuvers will assist "deepen practical collaboration among the warships of participating countries," according to the announcement.
The offshore practices would purportedly include forces from the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy's marine and airborne units, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy, and naval ships from China and Russia.
In recent years, Iranian maritime forces have held numerous combined military exercises with their Chinese and Russian counterparts with the aim of enhancing the security of international maritime trade, countering piracy and maritime terrorism, exchanging information in naval relief and rescue missions, and exchanging tactical and operational experiences.
Last October, Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Shahram Irani announced plans for a joint naval drill with China, Russia, and a number of other countries in the northern Indian Ocean.
Irani stated that the joint drill is intended to improve the combat capabilities of Iranian troops and falls within the context of maritime diplomacy to maintain long-term security.
He disclosed at the time that Iran had invited several member states of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), a platform that seeks to improve maritime cooperation among the Indian Ocean region's coastal states, to participate in the naval exercises.
The military exercises, according to the Navy chief, were designed in accordance with an instruction manual prepared by the Iranian Navy.
Your Comment