Russia has announced that a group of its warships has arrived in Iran to participate in exercises with Iran and China in the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. The Russian Ministry of Defense, in a statement relayed by official media outlets, stated that the joint exercises, named “Maritime Security Belt 2024,” will involve warships and aircraft. The practical part of the training is set to take place in the waters of the Gulf of Oman, with the main goal being to ensure the safety of maritime economic activities. The Russian group is led by the missile cruiser “Varyag” from its Pacific Fleet.
The Ministry also mentioned that representatives from the naval forces of Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Oman, India, and South Africa would be present as observers.
The Chinese Ministry of Defense has also confirmed the joint exercises with Iran and Russia, scheduled from March 11 to 15. The ministry stated that the exercises aim to jointly maintain regional maritime security and announced that China would send two missile-equipped ships and a supply ship to participate in the exercises.
China and Russia have conducted various joint military exercises, strengthening their partnership and demonstrating their combined military capabilities. In December 2022, the two countries held joint naval exercises in the East China Sea, aimed at deepening cooperation and demonstrating their determination to jointly respond to maritime security threats. These drills took place off the coast of Zhejiang province, south of Shanghai, and included various surface warships and a submarine from the Chinese navy, with military aircraft from both countries participating.
Additionally, in August 2022, Chinese troops participated in the “Vostok” exercises in Russia, which also included forces from India, Belarus, Mongolia, Tajikistan, and other countries. These exercises were part of an ongoing bilateral annual cooperation agreement with Russia, aimed at deepening practical and friendly cooperation with the armies of participating countries, enhancing strategic collaboration, and strengthening the ability to respond to various security threats.
Earlier, in August 2021, a large-scale joint military exercise was held in China’s north-central Ningxia region, involving more than 10,000 ground troops and air forces from both countries. The Sibu/Cooperation-2021 exercises were focused on deepening joint anti-terrorism operations and demonstrating the determination of both countries to safeguard international and regional security and stability.
