China and Russia to hold joint naval drills
A joint naval exercise called “Security Bond-2023” has been initiated by China, Russia, and Iran in the Gulf of Oman. This exercise, spanning five days, aims to safeguard critical maritime routes. The exercise will encompass various activities such as aerial search operations, sea rescue operations, fleet formation exercises, and other assigned tasks. China’s military has deployed five warships, including a guided-missile destroyer called the ‘Nanning,’ to participate in the drills, which mainly focus on non-combat missions like sea rescue and search operations.
The Security Bond drills are occurring simultaneously with the final phase of the 18-day International Maritime Exercise 2023 (IMX 2023), which is recognized as the largest maritime exercise in the Middle East region. IMX 2023 began on March 2 at the Bahrain headquarters of the US 5th Fleet, marking the eighth edition since its inception in 2012. The US-led event, now encompasses the participation of 50 countries and international agencies, such as France, Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, NATO, and Interpol.
Equipped with cutting-edge integrated radar and a 64-cell vertical launch system capable of deploying air defense, land attack, anti-ship, and anti-submarine missiles, the Nanning, a 7,500-tonne vessel was launched on February 23, 2019.
Having undertaken missions in the Indian Ocean, the vessel has recently participated in the Pakistan-led multinational naval exercise AMAN-23, which took place in the Arabian Sea. Additionally, it also joined the International Defense Exhibition held in Abu Dhabi.
The Security Bond exercise aims to showcase the collective determination and capabilities of the participating nations in safeguarding maritime security. It also seeks to foster a shared future for the sea, promoting regional peace and stability. The United States acknowledges the joint drills without perceiving them as a novel threat, yet it will monitor the growing ties between these rival states. The exercise serves as a platform to enhance practical cooperation among the participating navies, fostering a positive impact on regional peace and stability.
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