Russia, China, Iran Kick Off Joint Navy Drills

Russia, China, and Iran have launched joint navy drills aimed at what they term as bolstering maritime security in the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean.

Dubbed "Maritime Security Belt – 2024," the joint exercise is scheduled to take place from March 11 to 15 in the waters near the Gulf of Oman.

China deployed its 45th escort task force, comprising the guided-missile destroyer Urumqi, guided-missile frigate Linyi, and comprehensive supply ship Dongpinghu.

The drills occur against a backdrop of escalating tensions in the Red Sea, following drone and missile attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen on international and commercial shipping.

While the US-led coalition has responded with counterstrikes against the militant group on one of the world’s most critical trade routes, China, stationed near the Red Sea in Djibouti, has refrained from officially condemning the attacks.

Meanwhile, Russia's Pacific fleet, led by the Varyag guided missile cruiser and Marshal Shaposhnikov frigate, has arrived at Iran’s Chabahar port to participate in the joint drill.

The Russian defense ministry stated that the exercise will involve ships, boats, and naval aviation from Iran and China, with representatives from several other countries acting as observers.

Reports indicate the participation of more than 10 Iranian Navy vessels and three helicopters in the trilateral naval drill. The joint exercise follows the Maritime Security Belt of last year which featured a similar five-day drill between China, Russia, and Iran in the Arabian Sea.