China and Russia Naval Ships Arrive in Iranian Waters for Joint Maritime Drill

Chinese and Russian naval vessels have entered Iranian waters in the northern Indian Ocean to participate in the Maritime Security Belt 2025 joint military exercise.

The Russian fleet includes destroyers Rezkiy and Tsedy Zapov, along with the logistics support vessel Pechenga. Meanwhile, the Chinese navy has deployed the destroyer Bao Tou and the logistics ship Gao Youhu to take part in the drill.

The Iranian Navy is also actively participating with its floating and aerial units, including the Jamaran, Alvand, and Bayandor destroyers, as well as several other naval vessels such as Nayband, Bargan, Gunaveh, and Nezeh. Additionally, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy is contributing with escort ships Shahid Sayyad Shirazi, Shahid Rouhi, and Shahid Mahmoudi.

This marks the seventh edition of the Maritime Security Belt exercise, which will be conducted in the northern Indian Ocean. Alongside Iran, China, Russia, and the IRGC Navy, naval observers from Pakistan, Azerbaijan, South Africa, Oman, Kazakhstan, Qatar, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, and Sri Lanka will also attend the drill.