CHIRU is a naval drill recently conducted by China, Russia and Iran in Gulf of Oman. China sent Urumqi, missile destroyer to take part in the exercise. The countries are now looking for opportunities to deepen their military cooperation. Russia sent its Pacific Fleet task force to participate in the exercise. This included the anti – submarine warfare ship Admiral Tributs and Nakhimov missile cruiser.

About the Drill

The countries conducted military artillery fire against the sea targets. Also, they took part in tactical maneuvering. The countries also conducted anti – piracy drills during the exercise.

Russia on the drills

The Russian government had earlier announced that it would conduct drills in different parts of the world including all areas of its responsibility. Russia had also announced that it will conduct military exercise in the Mediterranean waters, Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean and Okhotsk seas. More than 60 aircrafts and 140 warships are kept  ready to take part in such exercises.

Russia and Belarus

Russia had already conducted naval drills with Belarus amidst the Ukraine tensions. Russia is also holding talks with the US over the Ukraine issues. The latest naval drills are increasing the tensions.

China in the drills

Uruqmi is a Chinese missile destroyer. She was commissioned in 2018. Uruqmi is Type 052D destroyer. It uses canister type vertical launching system. It uses combined diesel or gas propulsion. It is designed to carry helicopters. It has AESA, Active Electronically Scanned Array radar. It is a contemporary to the US Aegis Combat System. Apart from Uruqmi, China also sent its supply ship Taihu, forty marines and ship borne helicopters.

Russia in the drills

Varyag of Russia participated in the drills. Varyag is a missile cruiser. It is a Slava class of guided missile cruiser. It was designed and built by the Soviet Union. It is a anti – ship rocket cruiser. Russia also sent its Boris Butoma.