MKS sports 2025 ahead of the Security Belt-2025 joint exercise among navies of China, Iran and Russia. Photo: Screenshot from the official WeChat account of the PLA Navy" src="https://www.globaltimes.cn/Portals/0/attachment/2025/2025-03-12/dc7eedec-a661-4970-908a-51cf06172ce1.jpeg" />

A Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy flotilla arrives in waters near the Iranian port of Chabahar on March 9, 2025 ahead of the Security Belt-2025 joint exercise among navies of China, Iran and Russia. Photo: Screenshot from the official WeChat account of the PLA Navy

China, Iran and Russia on Tuesday wrapped up a maritime drill after practicing night live-fire shooting and rescue operation of simulated hijacked commercial ships near Iran. A Chinese expert said the exercise has boosted the three countries' naval  capabilities in dealing with non-traditional security threats.

The return of the participating warships from the three countries to the Iranian port of Chabahar on Tuesday afternoon local time marked the successful completion of the maritime drill phase of the Security Belt-2025 joint exercise, China Bugle, an official media account affiliated with the Chinese People's Liberation Army's (PLA) news media center, reported on Wednesday.

The maritime drill phase was held in a region near Chabahar Port from Monday to Tuesday, featuring training courses such as maritime target strikes, VBSS (visit, board, search and seizure), damage control, as well as joint search and rescue operations, China Bugle reported.

According to a video released by the military channel of China Central Television (CCTV) on Wednesday, the exercise featured live-fire shooting of heavy machine guns against maritime targets, night live-fire shooting practices, light communication practices, rescuing simulated hijacked commercial ships and a fleet review.

Zhang Junshe, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times that the exercise has boosted the three navies' maritime combat capabilities through maritime strike and damage control trainings. The drill focused on non-traditional security threats, such as countering maritime terrorism and anti-piracy.

Routine joint exercises among the three sides continuously enhance their navies' interoperability, and the three sides' joint command and control as well as joint strike capabilities were displayed through the drill courses, Zhang said.

The Security Belt-2025 joint exercise kicked off on Sunday and is expected to conclude on Thursday, according to a previous statement released by the PLA Navy on its official WeChat account. The exercise as a whole features three phases, an assembly and preparation phase, a maritime drill phase and a harbor summary phase.

The guided missile destroyer Baotouand the comprehensive replenishment ship Gaoyouhufrom the PLA Navy's 47th escort task group took part in the exercise. Iran sent more than 10 vessels of various types, including the Jamaranand Alvanddestroyers, while Russia deployed ships including the Hero of the Russian FederationAldar Tsydenzhapovand Rezkycorvettes, according to the PLA Navy release. In addition, South Africa, Pakistan, Oman and other countries sent observers to participate in the exercise.

The aim of the exercise is to deepen mutual military trust and pragmatic cooperation among the participating countries' militaries, the PLA Navy said.