ARMAMENTS

Amid tensions with the West, mainly over Ukraine, relations between Russia, China and Iran seem to be strengthening in the defence sector. The joint aeronautical exercise CHIRU-2022 took place with the participation of Russia, China and Iran in the Gulf of Oman. A total of 14 ships from the three fleets participated in the exercise. 

The exercise scenario focused, among other things, on artillery firing on naval targets, joint tactical maneuvering, piracy and search and rescue operations. The CHIRU Maritime Security Zone (China, Iran, Russia) began with the first joint naval exercises of the three countries in 2019.

Ships and helicopters of various types as well as special forces groups participated in the exercise, including the Guards of the Islamic Revolution of Iran. The Ürümqi destroyer participated on behalf of China. From the Russian side, participated ships of the Pacific fleet, including the cruiser Varyag, the anti-submarine warship Admiral Tributs and the tanker Boris Butoma. 

According to the Russian Ministry of Defence, in December the Pacific Fleet participated in a joint PASSEX with India, while in the near future it will also participate in an exercise in the Mediterranean with the Northern and Baltic Fleets.

Also read: Sibu/Cooperation-2021 | Large-scale China – Russia military exercise