By TrendThe Deputy Coordinator of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Army said that the joint naval drill with Russia demonstrates the naval authority of Iran's Armed Forces.

"When the powerful Russian navy conducts exercises with the navies of the Islamic Republic Army and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, it sends a clear message," said Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari on Sunday, Trend reports citing IRNA.

"Iran's Navy is at the level of the world naval powers in terms of equipment, manpower, technique and tactics, command and control, communication and access to new equipment," he added.

According to Admiral Sayyari, the joint exercise is aimed at establishing security in the North Indian Ocean.

Referring to the various threats of extra-regional countries from the beginning of the Islamic Revolution until today, he said, "Our country has been facing many threats since the first days of the victory of the Islamic Revolution, and the enemies have put forward various plans in this regard, all of which have failed."

"The Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, especially the Army, with regard to its mission of maintaining territorial integrity and independence, has achieved authority and dignity and will definitely respond to the threats," Sayyari added.

Russian Ambassador to Iran Levan Dzhagaryan announced last week that Russian, Iranian, and Chinese naval drills will be held in the Indian Ocean in mid-February.

It is planned to work out interaction during search and rescue operations and measures to ensure the safety of navigation, Dzhagaryan told to RIA Novosti.

The last naval drills were held at the end of December 2019.