Tasnim� The Iranian Navy�s 46th flotilla of warships left the country�s southern waters off the port city of Bandar Abbas for an overseas mission to the Gulf of Aden.

The naval fleet, comprised of Sabalan and Lavan logistic warships, started its voyage after a ceremony in Bandar Abbas attended by Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari and some other Navy officials.

The Navy�s 46th flotilla of warships was sent on a mission to ensure the security of naval routes and protect Iranian merchant vessels and oil tankers against pirates.

In a speech during a tour of Khoramshahr Naval Base in southwestern Iran earlier last month, Admiral Sayyari highlighted the steps the Navy has taken to improve its capabilities and stressed the enhanced presence of his forces in high seas in the future.

The commander underlined that the Navy is in possession of the most advanced military equipment manufactured in the country by local experts.

�We will have stronger presence in international waters, expand the area of the naval maneuvers, and develop production of equipment� (in the coming year),� he said at the time.