Russia, Iran, and China Strengthen Naval Cooperation

13 March, 2025 The Maritime Security Belt 2025 naval exercise of Iran, China and Russia in the Gulf of Oman, March 2025. Photo credits: DEFA The naval forces of Russia, Iran, and China performed joint exercises, refining their coordination and tactics to repel attacks from unmanned surface vehicles and conduct ship searches and boardings.

The Russian Ministry of Defense has released the relevant footage. The Maritime Security Belt 2025 naval exercise, organized by the Iranian side, marked the seventh annual operation of the Chinese, Russian, and Iranian navies. During the exercises, around 15 ships, support vessels, combat boats, and naval helicopters were deployed in the Gulf of Oman.

The Russian Navy involved the Steregushchiy-class (Project 20380) corvettes, Rezky and Aldar Tsydenzhapov, as well as the medium sea tanker Pechenga from the Pacific Fleet, in the military maneuvers. The Chinese Navy was represented by the Type 052D guided-missile destroyer Baotou and a support vessel. The Iranian Navy had the largest presence during the exercises, with its fleet including the Bayandor-class corvette Bayandor, the Moudge-class frigate and the Alvand-class frigate, the Shahid Soleimani-class missile catamaran, as well as a group of missile boats and smaller auxiliary vessels.