Iranian, Russian navies launch major Caspian Sea drills

A large-scale naval exercise, codenamed "Caspian Maritime Rescue, Relief and Security 2024," has commenced in the Caspian Sea, featuring military forces from Iran and Russia.

Captain Abbas Hassani, an Iranian Navy commander and spokesperson for the drill, announced that the exercise began on July 22 morning, Caliber.Az reports, citing Iranian media sources.

The drill involves the Iranian Navy’s airborne division and several military vessels, including the corvettes "Paykan", "Darafsh", and "Separ", along with two AB-212 helicopters. Captain Hassani also mentioned that a flotilla from the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Navy, named 'Martry Baseer', is participating in the exercise, alongside Russia’s SB45 vessel, which entered Iranian territorial waters on July 21.

Representatives from Caspian littoral states are observing various stages of the exercise as monitors. In recent years, the Iranian Navy has conducted numerous military drills in both southern and northern waters.

The Islamic Republic has consistently assured other nations, particularly its neighbours, that its military capabilities are not a threat. Instead, Iran emphasizes that its defence doctrine is focused on deterrence.