Dubai, 13 March 2024 (TDI): China, Russia, and Iran have shown their naval power capabilities in the joint military drills titled, Maritime Security Belt, 2024.
The exercises begin in the crucial waterway of the Gulf of Oman.
The common military drills are the fifth round of the series of joint exercises. The drills shall continue till 16th March 2024.
The information related to the Maritime Security Belt, 2024 has been shared by both Chinese state television and the Russian Navy.
China’s defense ministry in a precise statement shared that the Maritime Security Belt, 2024 has been aimed at “jointly maintaining regional maritime security”.
“China will send guided-missile destroyer Urumqi, guided-missile frigate Linyi, and comprehensive supply ship Dongpinghu to participate in the exercise,” the ministry mentioned.
On the other hand, Russia’s defense ministry reported that the warships and aviation involved in the drills would focus on the protection of “maritime economic activity”.
Furthermore, the state media explained the route where a grouping of ships from Russia’s Pacific Fleet has been led by the Varyag (a Slava-class) cruiser.
The cruiser accompanied by ships has already arrived at the Iranian port of Chabahar on Monday ahead of the scheduled drills.
Also Read: Russia-China-Iran Naval Exercises in IOR
Adm. Mostafa Tajaddini, Maritime Security Belt, 2024 Iranian spokesperson detailed some of the goals of the entire exercise.
He explained that the drills shall cover 17,000 square kilometers (6,600 square miles) of water.
Besides, improving trade relations amongst the participants, the aims have been to confront “piracy and terrorism, (provide) support to humanitarian activities and the exchange of information in the field of rescue,” he narrated.
Overall, more than 20 ships along with support vessels, combat boats, and naval helicopters from the three participant countries shall collectively conduct the drills.
In addition, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Oman, Pakistan, and South Africa shall participate as observer states for the exercises.
The Maritime Security Belt, 2024 exercises mark a critical joint effort in the backdrop of mounting tensions due to the persistent and horrific Israeli offensive against the civilians of Gaza and, on parallel, Yemen’s Houthi rebels’ attacks in the Red Sea supporting Palestinian resistance.
The exercises also signaled a response to both the United States-led naval coalition operating in the Red Sea since December 2023 as well as the Nordic exercise (part of Steadfast Defender 24) conducting drills of 13 NATO member countries in the north of Sweden.
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