Image source: topwar.ru
The Islamic Republic of Iran is actively increasing its military potential, becoming an increasingly important not only regional, but also international force. Being under long-term international and unilateral sanctions, Tehran has not only preserved its economy, but has also become one of the world leaders in the development and production of military drones, as well as short- and medium-range missiles. Iran has also made 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 and political ties with countries that are not directly controlled by Washington and the so-called collective West. In particular, the Iranian Naval Forces are currently taking part in large-scale multilateral exercises organized by India.
The Iranian private Tasnim News Agency reports that the republic's Navy has sent the destroyer Dena to the port city of Visakhapatnam on the southeastern coast of India to participate in the naval exercises Milan 2024, 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 exercises, including a detachment of warships of the Pacific Fleet of the Russian Navy as part of the Nakhimov Guards Missile Order of the cruiser Varyag and the frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov. During the naval stage, from February 24 to 27, the naval forces will conduct joint advanced exercises on air defense, anti-submarine and surface operations, the agency writes.
The 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 stressed 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.
Notably, 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 US Navy's Halsey (DDG-97) Arleigh Burke-class destroyer has already arrived at the Indian port the day before, according to the news feed of the Milan 2024 website. Most likely, some refused, since out of 60 invited states, only 50 countries involved their ships in the port exercises.
Image source: topwar.ru
The Iranian-made destroyer (according to the NATO classification frigate) Dena is known for having circumnavigated the world last year as part of the 86th Flotilla of Iran, accompanied by the advanced base ship Makran. The 63,000-kilometer round-the-world trip lasted nine months without any breakdowns or even a temporary communication failure. Commenting on this undoubtedly important event, Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, Commander of the Navy of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), noted his country's high achievements in shipbuilding, as well as the development of modern shipboard communication and navigation systems.
The Admiral stressed that in this way Iran has already ceased to be a purely regional naval power. The republic's Navy command plans to ensure its presence, including in the Arctic.
The Mowj-class destroyer Dena joined the IRGC Navy in June 2021. The warship is equipped with anti-ship cruise missiles, torpedoes and artillery systems. The advanced Makran base ship 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 for warships.