News - Middle East: Iranian and Omani military forces have staged a day-long joint naval rescue and relief exercise in the Hormuz Strait and the northern tip of the Indian Ocean as the two neighbors move to build stronger relations.

Combat vessels and airborne units of the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy, the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), the Naval Division of the Border Police, the Ports and Maritime Organization of Iran, and the Royal Navy of Oman took part in the drills on Thursday.

The naval exercise was held in the presence of the heads of the joint military friendship commissions of the two countries.

The main goals of the naval drills were described as boosting combat readiness, and implementing bilateral agreements on maritime security.

Iranian drones carried out observation and monitoring operations in the northern parts of the Indian Ocean and the Strait of Hormuz, and the country’s reconnaissance aircraft made several sorties to survey all military and merchant vessels cruising in the vicinity of the area at the time.

Iranian and Omani military forces managed to successfully implement various scenarios during the joint drill, showcasing their coordination. 

Moreover, the presence of Iranian homegrown destroyers Dena and Sahand alongside indigenous combat watercraft manifested the country’s self-sufficiency in the defense industry.

Iranian and Omani military forces have held several joint naval drills in recent years.

Iran has staged joint naval exercises with other countries, including Pakistan and Russia, as well.

Iranian military experts and technicians have in recent years made great progress in developing and manufacturing a broad range of military equipment, making the armed forces self-sufficient in this regard. Iran has also held several military units with the aim of testing its combat preparedness in face of possible threats.  

Iranian officials have repeatedly underscored that the Islamic Republic will not hesitate to build up its defense capabilities, emphasizing such abilities are entirely meant for the purpose of defense and will be never subject to negotiations.

Source: Press TV