The main stage of the 2023 Marine Security Belt naval exercises, including the Iranian, Chinese and Russian forces, kicked off in the northern parts of the Indian Ocean on Friday.
Spokesman for the drills Rear Admiral Mostafa Tajoddini said the three countries’ naval forces have practiced a coordinated mission to release two trade vessels hijacked in the international waters by the pirates in simulated conditions.
He said when the two target liners sent mayday signals to the Maritime Rescue and Coordination Centre (MRCC) of Chabahar port in southeastern Iran, a SH-3 helicopter of the Iranian Navy scrambled for reconnaissance and search, before the Iranian Navy’s ‘Sahand’ destroyer acted as the command ship to carry out the operation.
The special forces of the Iranian Army and the IRGC acted in cooperation with the Chinese and Russian airborne commandos, were airlifted on the target trade ships and captured the pirates, the spokesman added.
The aim of the joint exercise is to strengthen security and its foundations in the region, expand multilateral cooperation among the three countries, and demonstrate their goodwill and ability to support global peace, maritime security, and the creation of a maritime community with a common future.
This is the fourth joint exercise of Iran, China, and Russia in recent years.