According to Khabaronline, The maneuver, aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation, enhancing maritime security, and increasing operational synergy, ended as participating units performed their final scheduled tasks. In the closing ceremony, the Russian vessel “Stoiky” was escorted out of the exercise zone by Iranian surface units.
This drill was conducted to expand maritime diplomacy, military interactions, and the exchange of operational expertise. Officials from both nations reaffirmed their commitment to continued joint cooperation regarding maritime safety and security.
Operational Phases Detailed by Admiral Maqsoudloo
Rear Admiral Hassan Maqsoudloo, Commander of the First Naval Region (Imamat) of the Iranian Navy and spokesman for the joint naval exercise of the Iranian and Russian navies, provided a detailed breakdown of the exercise’s execution:
1. Strategic Planning and Deployment
The Admiral noted that the exercise was implemented in three stages. “Initially, we received the Russian Federation’s flotilla. This was followed by a comprehensive planning session involving the Iranian Army Navy, the IRGC Navy, the Air Force, and the Russian Navy. Once the tactical designs were finalized, the combat organization units deployed to their mission areas yesterday.”
2. Tactical Expansion and Communication
Following deployment, units expanded into the Sea of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean. “During this phase, information exchange and data transfer were conducted between the operations rooms of various vessels through flag signaling, light communication, and the execution of diverse tactical formations,” Maqsoudloo explained.
3. Special Operations and Vessel Liberation
The Admiral highlighted the high-intensity portion of the drill: “Rappelling operations were carried out by special operations teams from both the IRGC and the Army onto the Russian destroyer. Subsequently, the primary mission—the seizure of a hijacked ship—was successfully executed from both the surface and the air by joint Iranian and Russian forces.”
Final Stage: Aerial Documentation and Defense Diplomacy
The exercise concluded with a “Photo Ex” (Photo Exercise), where units performed their final missions in specific formations under aerial surveillance.
Admiral Maqsoudloo concluded by emphasizing the routine nature of Iran’s defense diplomacy. “The Navy of the Islamic Republic of Iran routinely conducts various exercises around the world in the field of defense diplomacy, such as the BRICS exercise that was held in South Africa, and our fleet is now returning, and the next fleet, which is currently being held in Bishop Khatna, India, as the Milan exercise.”
“Also, we are conducting exercises with Russia, both routinely in the Caspian Sea and in the South China Sea. This is part of our planning, which is carried out annually in the form of defense diplomacy.”
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