Iran Navy Launches Velayat 91 Drills

Local Editor

Iranian Navy started 6-day ‘Velayat 91′ naval drills in the country's Iran's waters on Friday.

Navy commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari told reporters that it covers international waters in Gulf of Oman, Hormuz Strait, North of Indian Ocean, Aden Gulf and Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
He further confirmed that "the drills will demonstrate Iran's navy capabilities in defense of interests and sea borders, carrying the message of peace for neighbors."

In parallel, he revealed that the "Navy's 23rd fleet of warships, comprised of the Jamaran destroyer and the Bushehr Helicopter carrier will escort trade ships and oil tankers against the piracy during the exercise."
"The exercises will test missile and defense systems, combat fleets and submarines, and will also include combat training, maritime patrol and reconnaissance and combating threats," Sayyari confirmed.

Sayyari said that the IRI's submarine capability has advanced compared with last year, adding that Iran now has the ability to manufacture submarines including the Ghadir brand as well as repairing and overhauling heavy submarines.
The exercises would also test the navy's capabilities of dealing with electronic warfare alongside its knowledge of naval combat, he added.

Iran held a similar 10-day drill last December and sent a submarine and a destroyer into the Gulf four months ago just as US and allied navies were conducting exercises in the same waters to practice keeping oil shipping lanes open.


Source: News Agencies, Edited by moqawama.org