Warships from the Russian Pacific Fleet are practicing together with units from Iran and China in the Gulf of Oman. The maneuver is scheduled to last until Friday. It is not the first joint exercise between the naval forces.
Russia has moved part of its Pacific fleet to the Gulf of Oman for a maneuver with warships from Iran and China. The ships led by the cruiser “Varyag” arrived in the Iranian port of Chabahar, the Russian Defense Ministry told the Interfax agency. The exercise “Marine Belt Security 2024” is taking place in the Gulf of Oman.
Send Chinese Guided missile destroyer
The exercise was aimed at “jointly maintaining regional maritime security,” the Chinese Defense Ministry said on the social media platform WeChat. Accordingly, a guided missile destroyer, a frigate and a supply ship will take part in the exercise. China has been building more modern warships for several years and is increasingly presenting itself abroad.
According to the Iranian news agency Tasnim, the objectives of the exercise include the fight against piracy and maritime terrorism, humanitarian measures, information exchange in the area of sea rescue and the exchange of operational and tactical experiences. The exercise is scheduled to take place from today to Friday.
Great importance for maritime trade
The waters between Iran and Oman are of particular importance for maritime trade. The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Gulf of Oman with the Persian Gulf, is considered one of the most important shipping routes for global oil exports.
Russia, Iran and China have held joint military exercises in the past. Even in the face of international sanctions, Moscow and Tehran have recently significantly expanded their military and economic relations.
By taking part in maneuvers in other regions of the world, Russia wants to show that it is broadly positioned despite its war of aggression against Ukraine, which has been ongoing for more than two years.