Iran, Russia Conduct Joint Maritime Security & Rescue Drills in Caspian Sea

Iran and Russia conducted a joint maritime security and rescue drill in the Caspian Sea, with Azerbaijan observing the exercises.

The one-day event, known as the Joint Caspian Sea Search and Rescue Exercise “CASAREX24,” took place on July 22 and was organized by the Northern Fleet of the Iranian Navy, according to Iran’s Mehr News Agency.

A variety of Iranian vessels, including the missile boats Paykan, Joshan, Derafsh, and Separ, along with two AB 212 helicopters, marine units from the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) and the police, participated in the rescue exercise. The Russian vessel SB 45 also took part, contributing to the coordinated efforts which included a fire extinguishing operation.

Iranian Navy Commander Captain Abbas Hassani, serving as the spokesperson for the drill, highlighted the operational capabilities demonstrated during the exercise. He said that floating units of Iran and Russia shot at surface targets in the sea using predetermined weapons, including Iran’s missile launcher “Separ.”

“Also, the offensive arrangements of the units participating in the naval exercise was carried out in accordance with the aerial surveillance and monitoring of the region by choppers and drones of the Army Navy of the Islamic Republic of Iran”, he added.

Observers from various Caspian littoral states were present to monitor the different stages of the drill. While initial reports indicated the participation of all littoral states, later updates confirmed only Russia as an active participant and Azerbaijan as an observer, without mentioning Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan.

Over the past few years, the Iranian Navy’s forces have held several military drills in southern and northern waters. Tehran has reiterated that “its military might poses no threat to other countries, stressing that its defense doctrine is based on deterrence.”

Meanwhile, the recent drill follows the regional military exercise “Birlestik-2024,” held in Kazakhstan’s Mangystau Region along the Caspian Sea coast. The exercise, which ran from July 12 to 17, involved military contingents from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The international operational-tactical command-staff exercise took place at the Oymasha training ground and included a sea area, emphasizing the strategic importance of the Caspian Sea for regional security.