Iran Navy starts military drills in southern waters, takes delivery of two warships

The two-day naval drills, codenamed Eqtedar-e Daryayi (Naval Strength) 99, started during a formal ceremony in a vast area spanning the Makran coastal strip on the Sea of Oman and north of the Indian Ocean on Wednesday.

The event was attended by Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri and Chief Commander of the Army Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, and other senior commanders.

The Iranian Navy also took delivery of Makran helicopter carrier, a logistics ship designed to support the Navy’s missions in farther waters, such as the northern part of the Indian Ocean, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the Red Sea.

Such vessels have been designed to serve as a “mobile seaport,” and are, therefore, considered key infrastructural elements of any naval force.

Their flight deck serves as a mobile airbase for helicopters and gunships as well as unmanned aerial vehicles.

Makran reportedly can carry 82,000 tons of logistics and supply them to naval units in various locations. It is also capable of making voyages for 1,000 days without a port call.

It is said to be Iran’s largest military vessel and can carry five helicopters at the same time.

A missile-launching ship called Zereh (armor) also joined the Iranian Navy’s southern fleet.