Iran Focuses on Modern Submarines in Major Naval Expansion.

According to information published by Tasnim on November 23, 2024, on the occasion of the Iranian Navy Day, Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, Commander of the Iranian Navy, announced significant advancements in the country’s naval capabilities. He highlighted the addition of new domestically-built submarines to the fleet, emphasizing Iran’s strategic shift toward maritime power and its role in shaping regional and international dynamics.
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Iran’s Navy steps up with advanced submarines, enhancing its regional and global maritime presence. (Picture source: Generated by AI)

Admiral Irani began by honoring the historic “Operation Morvarid” (Pearl), conducted during the Iran-Iraq War in 1980, which eliminated Iraq’s naval forces for the remainder of the conflict. He underscored the Navy’s critical role in escorting over 10,000 commercial and oil tankers during the war. 

The Commander revealed that new submarines are under construction and will soon join the Iranian Navy. Admiral Irani emphasized the importance of transitioning from a land-based economy to a maritime-oriented one.

The Commander also addressed global challenges such as piracy, smuggling, and maritime terrorism, asserting that the Iranian Navy is prepared to safeguard international shipping lanes and enforce maritime laws.

Iranian Fleet

Iran operates three Russian-built Kilo-class diesel-electric submarines, acquired between 1992 and 1996. These 74-meter-long submarines are equipped with six 533mm torpedo tubes capable of launching torpedoes and anti-ship cruise missiles. Primarily based at Bandar Abbas near the Strait of Hormuz, they are occasionally deployed in the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. However, their operational utility in the shallow waters of the Persian Gulf is limited due to their size and depth requirements.

The Fateh-class represents Iran's advancement in indigenous submarine development. These semi-heavy submarines can operate at depths exceeding 200 meters for nearly five weeks. They are armed with four 533mm torpedo tubes, capable of deploying torpedoes, cruise missiles, and naval mines. The first Fateh-class submarine entered service in 2019, with plans for additional units underway.

Designed for operations in the shallow waters of the Persian Gulf, the Ghadir-class midget submarines are derivatives of North Korean Yugo and Sango classes. Entering service in 2007, these 150-ton submarines are equipped with two 533mm torpedo tubes and can also lay mines. Reports on the number of operational Ghadir-class submarines vary, with estimates ranging from 12 to 22 units.

The Nahang-class is a domestically produced midget submarine that became operational in 2006. Weighing approximately 400 tons, it serves as a prototype to validate Iran's capability to design and manufacture larger submarines. The Nahang is equipped to fire large torpedoes, surface-to-surface missiles, and lay mines.

Currently under development, the Besat-class is an upcoming class of attack submarines. In April 2023, the Iranian Navy commander announced that the first Besat-class submarine is expected to join the fleet within one to two years. These submarines are planned to be equipped with surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles, as well as torpedoes.