A detachment of ships of the Pacific Fleet of the Russian Navy, including the guards missile cruiser Varyag and the frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov, began practicing practical tasks of the joint international naval exercise "Maritime Security Belt 2024" with ships of the Iranian and Chinese navies.
The exercise is taking place in the Gulf of Oman in the Arabian Sea, its main objective is to "work on the security of maritime economic activities".
"During the exercise, warships from the three countries will conduct joint maneuvers and fire on surface and air targets, and will also practice freeing a ship captured by pirates," the Defense Ministry said.
According to the ministry, "More than 20 ships, support ships and combat boats from the navies of Russia, Iran and China are involved in the exercise. Naval helicopters are also being used extensively.
Let us tell you that the Maritime Security Belt exercise is being organized since 2018, in which ships of the navies of Iran, China and Russia have been continuously participating. For the first time this year, representatives of the navies of Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Oman, India and South Africa will participate as observers.