Security Belt-2025: Iran, Russia, China Set for Joint Military Drills

China, Russia, and Iran are set to conduct joint naval exercises dubbed “Security Belt-2025” in the Indian Ocean this month, according to an announcement from the Chinese Ministry of Defense on Sunday. The drills will take place near Iran’s strategic Chabahar port along the Gulf of Oman, marking the latest installment in a series of trilateral maritime collaborations that have attracted international attention. “Security Belt-2025: Iran, Russia, China Set for Joint Military Drills”.

Exercise Objectives and Planned Operations

According to Chinese defense officials, Security Belt-2025 aims to “deepen military trust and pragmatic cooperation” among the three participating nations. The planned activities demonstrate the increasing sophistication of their joint capabilities, including simulated attacks on maritime targets, coordinated search-and-rescue operations, and on-site inspections and arrests. These drills reflect growing military interoperability between Beijing, Moscow, and Tehran.

China Deploys Warships to Indian Ocean

China will deploy significant naval hardware for the exercises, including a Type 052D guided-missile destroyer equipped with the Baotou missile system. The destroyer will be accompanied by the supply ship Gaoyouhu, both vessels currently serving as part of China’s 47th naval escort task force. This deployment highlights China’s expanding blue-water naval presence and its ability to conduct operations far from home waters.

Expanding Maritime Security Drills

Security Belt-2025 builds upon last year’s “Maritime Security Belt-2024,” which was conducted from March 11 to 15 in the same region. The 2024 iteration featured over 20 vessels and focused on anti-piracy and search-and-rescue operations. China’s contribution then included three warships: the Type 052D destroyer Urumqi, the Type 054A frigate Linyi, and the Type 903A supply ship Dongpinghu.

Russia, Iran to Join Drills

While specific details about Russia’s and Iran’s contributions to this year’s exercise remain limited, historical patterns suggest likely participants. Russia previously deployed the missile cruiser Varyag and destroyer Marshal Shaposhnikov from its Pacific Fleet, which may return for this iteration. Iran, as the host nation, is expected to involve both its conventional navy and Revolutionary Guard Corps naval forces, potentially including frigates like the Jamaran and other domestically produced vessels.

Also read this: China’s Naval Exercises In The Pacific: A Comprehensive Review

Strategic Significance

The selection of Chabahar port as the exercise location carries significant geopolitical implications. This strategic hub near Pakistan’s border provides direct access to the Indian Ocean while avoiding the more contested Persian Gulf waterways. While India has invested heavily in Chabahar’s development as a trade corridor to Central Asia, Iran’s military cooperation with China and Russia operates independently of these economic partnerships.

Implications for Regional Security Dynamics

This ongoing trilateral naval collaboration underscores a sustained pattern of military cooperation amid evolving global alliances and regional security challenges. As preparations for Security Belt-2025 continue, further details on Russian and Iranian participation will provide additional insights into the scope and ambition of these increasingly sophisticated joint naval exercises in one of the world’s most strategically important maritime regions.

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