WANA (Feb 17) – A joint naval exercise between the navies of Iran and Russia will be held tomorrow in the Oman Sea and the northern Indian Ocean, according to the spokesperson for the drill.

 

Rear Admiral Hassan Maqsoudlou said the combined naval exercise of the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy and the Russian Federation Navy will be hosted by the First Naval District of the Iranian Army in Bandar Abbas.

 

He stated that the primary objective of the drill is to enhance maritime security and sustainable navigation cooperation in the Oman Sea and the northern Indian Ocean. Expanding joint maritime cooperation and strengthening coordination between the two navies in planning and executing combined operations are also among its goals.

 

Maqsoudlou added that improving coordination to counter activities threatening maritime safety and security—particularly in protecting commercial vessels and oil tankers, as well as combating maritime terrorism—are key components of the exercise.

 

He emphasized that the drill is also aimed at deepening friendly relations, increasing regional cooperation with a focus on neighboring countries, and strengthening the role of regional states in ensuring maritime security.

 

The spokesperson noted that holding the exercise alongside other Iranian armed forces drills reflects both countries’ attention to developments in the Oman Sea and northern Indian Ocean, and demonstrates their commitment to enhancing maritime cooperation, opposing unilateralism, and supporting secure maritime trade in the region.

 

Meanwhile, Captain First Rank Alexey Sergeev, commander of the Russian naval flotilla, expressed appreciation for the hospitality of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Bandar Abbas.

 

He highlighted the close and friendly relations between the two sides, saying the current level of cooperation shows they can jointly manage and resolve many maritime and coastal challenges.

 

Sergeev added that Russia is prepared to conduct joint exercises in various regions, including specialized drills such as maritime counterterrorism operations carried out by vessels and boats from both sides.

 

According to reports, the Russian Federation Navy helicopter carrier Stoyskiy docked at the First Naval District of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army Navy in Bandar Abbas in order to participate in the joint naval exercise between the navies of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Russian Federation.

 

Rear Admiral Hassan Maqsoudlou also visited the Russian Navy helicopter carrier Stoyskiy while present at the dock of the First Naval District in Bandar Abbas.

 

During the visit, Rear Admiral Maqsoudlou stated that the inspection took place within the framework of strengthening bilateral maritime interactions and coincided with the presence of the Russian naval unit in Bandar Abbas.

 

In the course of the visit, the capabilities, equipment, and various sections of the helicopter carrier Stoyskiy were introduced. The two sides also discussed areas for expanding joint cooperation, holding combined exercises, and enhancing maritime coordination.

 

The visit was conducted with the aim of consolidating military relations and increasing naval diplomacy between Iran and Russia, as well as strengthening maritime security in the region.

 

According to the report, a group of personnel from the Russian Federation Navy flotilla also visited Iranian naval shipyards and the Iranian destroyer IRIS Jamaran as part of the program.

Commander of the Iranian Army’s First Naval District Visits Russia’s Stoyskiy Warship. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Commander of the Iranian Army’s First Naval District Visits Russia’s Stoyskiy Warship. Social media/ WANA News Agency