The Pacific Fleet’s task force, comprising the corvettes “Hero of the Russian Federation Aldar Tsydenzhapov” and “Razykii,” along with the tanker “Pechenga,” arrived at the Iranian port of Chabahar on March 9, 2025, to participate in the trilateral naval exercise “Maritime Security Belt – 2025” in the northern Indian Ocean. The Iranian Navy, consisting of regular naval forces and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGC), operates with specialized capabilities, including coastal missile brigades and marine aviation. Its fleet features notable platforms, such as the Mowj-class frigates, which are adept at anti-ship and air defense missions, armed with missile systems like Noor and Mehrab, as well as torpedoes and helicopter facilities. Iran’s innovative shipbuilding efforts hinge on repurposing large commercial vessels; examples include UAV-carrier modifications on the “Shahid Bahman Bagheri” and the multifunctional base ship “Makran,” which extends operational range and capability. This modernization underpins Iran’s growing naval power, enabling long-range operations and enhancing maritime warfare strategies, critical in the context of geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region. The exercise’s implications extend beyond bilateral military cooperation, reinforcing strategic partnerships and showcasing advancements in naval technology and warfare readiness.
