Russia, China, and Iran hold joint naval exercise: Six countries sent observers
Russian, Chinese, and Iranian naval vessels are conducting a joint exercise in the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea this week.
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The 'Marine Security Belt' exercise will be held between March 12-15 and will involve ships and aircraft from the three countries. Envoys from the militaries of Azerbaijan, India, Kazakhstan, Oman, Pakistan, and South Africa will be present at the exercise as observers.
The Russian Ministry of Defense stated on Monday, "The practical part of the exercise will take place in the waters of the Arabian Sea, specifically in the Gulf of Oman. The main purpose of the maneuvers is to ensure the safety of economic activities at sea."
Participating in the exercises from Russia are two ships from the Pacific Fleet, the Slava-class guided-missile cruiser Varyag and the Udaloy-class frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov.
According to the Chinese Ministry of Defense, the People's Liberation Army Navy has deployed the guided-missile destroyer Urumqi, the guided-missile frigate Linyi, and the supply ship Dongpinghu.
The Iranian Navy will participate in the exercise with several helicopters and a dozen ships of various sizes.
The Marine Security Belt project began in 2019 as a joint initiative by Moscow, Beijing, and Tehran.