Maritime Security Belt 2025: Uniting China, Iran, and Russia
**In a significant display of military cooperation, China, Iran, and Russia recently conducted joint exercises under the banner of Maritime Security Belt 2025 in the Gulf of Oman. This collaborative initiative aimed to bolster strategic partnerships among the three nations. On Sunday, March 9, naval vessels from the Russian Navy, China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy, and the Iranian Navy convened at Chabahar Port in Iran, setting the stage for the maritime phase of their operations starting the following day.**
Notably, the exercise attracted attention beyond the three nations involved. Observers were present from various countries, including Azerbaijan, South Africa, Oman, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Qatar, Iraq, the UAE, and Sri Lanka, highlighting the international interest in regional security dynamics. The exercises included simulations targeting maritime threats, damage control, and coordinated search and rescue operations, addressing the safety of a increasingly strategic maritime corridor.
The Russian contingent comprised key naval assets such as the corvettes RFS Hero of the Russian Federation Aldar Tsydenzhapov and RFS Rezkiy, alongside the supply vessel Pechenga. These units had been deployed for operations in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions since early February. Complementing this, China contributed destroyer CNS Baotou and supply ship Gaoyouhu from its naval escort task force, while Iran’s participation featured a sizable fleet of ten vessels, including advanced frigates and patrol boats.
This year’s exercise marked the continuation of a series that began in the Arabian Sea in 2018. The drills involved around 15 warships, support vessels, and helicopters from naval aviation, emphasizing a unified response to maritime security challenges. The overarching goals included enhancing maritime security, combating threats posed by piracy and terrorism, and fostering collaborative operational capabilities among the three navies.
During the exercise, tactical drills were carried out targeting unmanned surface vehicles and aerial drones, utilizing large-caliber machine guns and smaller weaponry. Furthermore, participants simulated rescue missions, with special operations forces jointly recovering a fictitious vessel captured by mock terrorists. This level of cooperation illustrates the growing military synergy between China, Iran, and Russia, as they seek to influence maritime security across global waters.
As these naval capabilities expand, additional exercises are anticipated, including a prospective large-scale operation in the South China Sea. This forthcoming initiative represents a broader strategy of naval engagement aimed at securing maritime interests and promoting stability in contested regions.
