The Iranian Navy has dispatched its first training and operational fleet of warships to the Gulf of Aden as part of its strategy to defend the nation’s interests abroad.

The fleet will pass through the Suez Canal and navy cadets will be trained and prepared to defend the country’s cargo ships and oil tankers against pirate attacks during the mission.

Iran started conducting extraterritorial missions in 2008 and since then has continued naval deployment in high seas and international waters.

Iranian Navy commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said the nation’s presence in the high seas displayed its military power in international waters.

The country’s first home-made destroyer, Jamaran, will be deployed in an area 10° north of international waters in the near future, he added.