Previous Russian, Chinese, Iranian maneuvers near the Gulf of Oman (Reuters - Archive)
The Chinese Ministry of Defense said - today, Monday - that Chinese, Iranian, and Russian naval forces will conduct joint exercises from March 11 to 15 near the Gulf of Oman.
The ministry stated - in a statement - that the exercises aim to "jointly maintain regional maritime security."
She added that China will send two ships equipped with guided missiles and a supply ship to participate in the exercises.
The Russian Ministry of Defense also stated - in a statement carried by official media today - that the joint exercises called “Maritime Security Belt - 2024” will involve warships and aircraft.
The ministry said, "The practical part of the training will take place in the waters of the Gulf of Oman in the Arabian Sea... and the main purpose of the maneuvers is to work on the safety of maritime economic activity."
The ministry added that the Russian group is led by the missile cruiser "Varyag" from its Pacific Fleet.
She said that representatives of the naval forces of Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, the Sultanate of Oman, India and South Africa will witness the exercises as observers.
Source: Agencies