Russia, Iran, China to hold naval drills

A detachment of Pacific Fleet ships led by the Varyag missile cruiser arrived at the raid of the Iranian port of Chehbehar on March 11.

"Russian ships will take part in the joint naval exercise 'Maritime Security Belt-2024'. It will also involve ships, boats and naval aviation of the navies of Iran and China," Interfax reports, citing the Russian Defence Ministry.

"The practical part of the exercise will take place in the waters of the Gulf of Oman in the Arabian Sea. The main purpose of the manoeuvres is stated to be working out the security of maritime economic activity," the Ministry said.

"Together with the guards missile cruiser Varyag, the exercise will involve the BPC Marshal Shaposhnikov, upgraded to a frigate, two warships and a supply vessel of the Chinese Navy, as well as more than 10 ships, boats, support vessels and three helicopters of the Iranian Navy," the Ministry said.