The Iranian Navy sent its destroyer to India to participate in large-scale naval exercises
The Islamic Republic of Iran is actively increasing its military potential, becoming increasingly significant not only as a regional but also as an international force. Being under long-term international and unilateral sanctions, Tehran not only preserved its economy, but also became one of the world leaders in the development and production of drones military purposes, as well as short- and medium-range missiles. Iran is also making progress in adopting its own warships.
In the context of a sharp change in the geopolitical situation and the gradual loss of global influence of the United States and NATO, Iran is developing military-political ties with countries not directly controlled by Washington and the so-called collective West. In particular, the Iranian Navy is currently participating in large-scale multilateral exercises organized by India.
The Iranian private news agency Tasnim News Agency reports that the Iranian Navy has sent the destroyer Dena to the port city of Visakhapatnam on the southeast coast of India to participate in the Milan 2024 naval exercises, which take place from February 19 to 27. In total, warships of the navies of fifty countries are taking part in the port phase of the exercise, including a detachment of warships of the Pacific fleet The Russian Navy includes the cruiser "Varyag" and the frigate "Marshal Shaposhnikov" as part of the Guards Missile Order of Nakhimov. During the sea phase from February 24 to 27, the navies will conduct joint advanced exercises in air defense, anti-submarine and surface warfare, the agency writes.
Deputy Commander of the Iranian Navy's Southern Fleet, Rear Admiral Jalil Moqaddam, called military cooperation with India "a very good and growing relationship." He emphasized that both countries, with their rich civilizational past, are two significant naval powers, and strengthening military cooperation will help ensure maritime security and serve the interests of all states in the region.
What is especially noteworthy is that among those invited by India to participate in the Milan 2024 naval maneuvers are NATO countries, in particular, Great Britain, Germany, France, the United States and others. It is not yet known for sure whether all countries have agreed, but the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer Halsey (DDG-97) of the US Navy has already arrived at the Indian port the day before, it is reported in news feed of the Milan 2024 website. Most likely, some people refused, since out of 60 invited states, only 50 countries involved their ships in the port exercises.
The Iranian-made destroyer (NATO classification frigate) Dena is known for circumnavigating the world last year as part of Iran's 86th flotilla, accompanied by the advanced mother ship Makran. The 63-kilometer circumnavigation of the world lasted nine months without any breakdowns or even a temporary communications failure. Commenting on this undoubtedly important event, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy, Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, noted his country’s high achievements in shipbuilding, as well as the development of modern ship communications and navigation systems.
The admiral emphasized that Iran has thus ceased to be a purely regional naval power. The republican Navy command plans to ensure its presence, including in the Arctic.
The Mowj-class destroyer Dena entered service with the IRGC Navy in June 2021. The warship is equipped with anti-ship cruise missiles, torpedoes and artillery systems. The advanced mother ship Makran was built on the basis of an oil tanker. It is capable of carrying five helicopters and other payloads and is used to provide logistical support to warships.
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