The Naval Forces of Iran, Russia and China have successfully carried out day and night aerial target shooting operations as part of the 2025 Maritime Security Belt joint maneuver in the Northern Indian Ocean.

Spokesperson for the Security Belt-2025 joint naval exercise Rear Admiral Mostafa Tajeddini said on Tuesday participating units of Iran, Russia, and China have successfully launched day and night shooting operations against aerial targets during the drill in the Northern part of the Indian Ocean.

“Night and day shooting operations against aerial targets require coordination and detailed instructions. The scenario of the exercise has been developed and is being played out on the basis of a common tactical discourse between Iranian naval forces, consisting the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy and the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy, and their Chinese and Russian counterparts,” he stated.

He added that the ongoing Security Belt-2025 naval military drill differs from its previous editions in terms of the number of participating units and countries, and the extensive participation of airborne units, helicopters, and fixed-wing aircraft in the depth of the exercise zone.

Warships from Iran, China and Russia kicked off their annual joint maneuvers in the Gulf of Oman on Monday, showing off their military ties, Fars News Agency (FNA) reported.

The “Security Belt-2025” drills is the fifth joint naval exercise Iran, China and Russia have held since 2019.

On Monday, Rear Admiral Tajeddini said enhancing combat readiness, achieving collective security, and exchanging experiences in humanitarian aid, search and rescue operations, and combating terrorism and maritime piracy are among the most important objectives of the joint naval exercise involving Iran, Russia and China.

He emphasized that various scenarios have been planned, including assisting distressed vessels, conducting humanitarian and medical operations, conducting search-and-rescue missions, securing shipping lanes and communication lines, and maintaining maritime navigation safety.

He added that Qatar, Iraq, South Africa, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Azerbaijan Republic, and Kazakhstan are participating as observer nations in this exercise.