Russia Iran and China to hold joint naval exercises

The eighth joint naval exercises "Maritime Security Belt" between Russia, Iran, and China will take place in February, according to the Tasnim news agency.

The drills will involve vessels from the Russian Navy, China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, the Iranian Navy and Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) naval forces.

The primary goals of the exercises are to practice counter-piracy and maritime counter-terrorism operations, contributing to the security of international maritime trade. The drills are being held at the initiative of the Iranian side.

Last year's drills were held in March and included the Russian medium-sized sea tanker Pechenga and the corvettes Rezkiy and Hero of the Russian Federation Aldar Tsydenzhapov.