Navy Flotilla to Set Sail for Indian Ocean

A flotilla of naval warships will set sail for the Indian Ocean next month to ensure security for Iranian cargo ships on the high seas.

Iran's 47th naval fleet is scheduled to depart for the Indian Ocean in early June, Deputy Navy Commander for Coordination Rear Admiral Peyman Jafari Tehrani said on Saturday, Press TV reported.

"The 46th flotilla, which was dispatched some time ago, is now halfway through its mission and will return home within the next days," he noted.

The commander said Iranian warships have a mission of providing security for the country's oil tankers and commercial vessels sailing in international waters, including in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.

Iran's 46th naval fleet, comprised of Sabalan destroyer and Lavan logistic warship, left the southern port city of Bandar Abbas for the Gulf of Aden on April 17 after a ceremony attended by Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari.

In recent years, the Navy has increased its presence in international waters to protect naval routes and provide security for merchant shipping.

In line with international efforts against piracy, the Iranian Navy has been conducting patrols in the Gulf of Aden since November 2008, safeguarding merchant containers and oil tankers owned or leased by Iran or other countries.

Naval forces have managed to foil several attacks on both Iranian and foreign tankers during their missions on the open seas.