TEHRAN, July 8 (Xinhua) -- An Iranian navy commander on Friday announced the beginning of an annual naval exercise in the Caspian Sea, the semi-official Mehr News Agency reported.
The "1401 Sustainable Security" maritime exercise began with the participation of various units of the navy, including missile launchers, sea-based helicopters and drones, electronic warfare systems, as well as rifle and ranger units, Hamze Ali Kaviani, deputy commander of Iran's Navy, was quoted as saying.
The two-day drill will be carried out on land, in the air and at sea, to evaluate the performance of systems and employees, and to transfer naval experience to the younger generation in the Caspian Sea, Kaviani was quoted as saying.
He described the Caspian Sea as "a sea of peace and friendship" between neighboring countries, adding that "we will not allow anyone to disrupt the order and security of this water."
