Iran naval unit returns from drill, cmdr. vows to defend borders to ‘last breath’
The Iranian Navy's 103rd flotilla has returned to the country’s territorial waters at the southeastern port city of Konarak after sailing in international waters for 100 days.
The flotilla comprised the Navy's Makran forward base ship and Shahid Naqdi destroyer as well as the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps’ (IRGC) Shahid Mahdavi helicopter carrier.
It began its mission in early December with the purpose of participating in the exercise "Will for Peace" in South Africa and docked in Konarak on Friday after traveling approximately 13,000 nautical miles.
Flotilla commander Admiral Emad Nejad Moridi said nine countries took part in the drill in South Africa and that despite efforts to prevent Iran’s participation, the group maintained an “effective and strong presence” through active naval diplomacy.
He added that the main goal was to raise Iran’s flag in international waters and convey the Islamic Republic’s message of peace and friendship to the world.
Nejad Moridi added that the Iranian naval forces would spare no effort to defend the country’s maritime interests and borders “to the last breath.”
Meanwhile, speaking at a ceremony to welcome the flotilla, Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Shahram Irani said its participation in the South African exercise carried “an important message to the world.”
He added that the behavior of other countries at sea reflected the power of the 103rd flotilla.
BRICS Plus joint naval exercise “Will for Peace 2026” was held off the coast of South Africa last month.
The drill included naval forces from Iran, China, Russia, South Africa, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Brazil, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates.
The drills involved more than 20 naval and aerial units and included live-fire exercises using semi-heavy weapons, aimed at testing operational readiness and coordination among participating forces.
South African authorities described the exercise as part of the BRICS Plus framework, intended to enhance maritime security and ensure the free flow of international trade.
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