Flash News: Iran’s Navy Enhances Underwater Warfare Capabilities with New Torpedo Launch from Fateh Submarine.

According to information published on February 22, 2025, by the Iranian Mehr News Agency, during the operational phase of the army's joint Zolfaqar 1403 exercise, the Valfajr war torpedoes were successfully launched from the Fateh submarine. This launch, which also saw the deployment of the torpedo from multiple submarines including the Tariq and Ghadir-class vessels, highlights the operational readiness and increasing sophistication of Iran’s submarine force. The success of this exercise underscores Iran's commitment to modernizing and expanding its naval deterrence assets.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

During a recent exercise in the Sea of Oman, the Fateh-class submarine, a key asset in Iran's naval fleet, showcases its advanced stealth and firepower capabilities. (Picture source: Wikimedia)

The Valfajr torpedo represents a major leap forward in Iran’s torpedo development. Unlike traditional torpedoes, which use compressed air as a propellant, the Valfajr torpedo uses compressed pure oxygen as its fuel. This innovative design allows the torpedo to achieve higher performance and extended ranges, making it a critical component of Iran’s naval arsenal. The oxygen-powered design makes the weapon more efficient, ensuring effective operation in both shallow coastal waters and the deeper expanses of the Sea of Oman. The successful launch from various submarines demonstrates that Iran's submarine fleet is not only growing in numbers but also in technological sophistication, with advanced weaponry to match.

The Fateh-class submarine, a diesel-electric coastal vessel, is central to Iran’s ongoing modernization of its submarine fleet. Commissioned in 2019, the Fateh-class marks a significant milestone in the IRIN’s (Iranian Navy) efforts to bolster its undersea warfare capabilities. With an estimated displacement of 600 tons and a length of 48 meters, the Fateh-class is designed for coastal defense and has demonstrated impressive operational features. It is capable of reaching submerged speeds of up to 23 knots and is equipped with six torpedo tubes, which can launch torpedoes as well as anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCMs). This versatility allows the Fateh-class to perform a variety of roles, from attacking surface targets to conducting strategic deterrence operations.

Iran has announced plans to further enhance the Fateh-class submarines, most notably by integrating an air-independent propulsion (AIP) system. The addition of AIP technology is expected to significantly extend the underwater endurance of these vessels, allowing them to operate more effectively in deeper waters and for longer durations without the need to surface. This upgrade would make the Fateh-class an even more formidable asset in Iran’s naval arsenal, enhancing both its stealth and operational reach.

The IRIN currently operates a fleet of 19-27 submarines, including a variety of classes that contribute to Iran’s evolving maritime strategy. Among the most significant of these are the Kilo-class (Tareq-class in Iranian service), the Fateh-class, and the Ghadir-class mini-submarines.

The Kilo-class (Tareq-class in Iranian service) submarines were imported from Russia in the 1990s and are the backbone of Iran’s submarine fleet. With a displacement of around 3,000 tons and six torpedo tubes, the Kilo-class submarines are capable of launching torpedoes, mines, and ASCMs. These submarines, however, are limited by their need for relatively deep waters and the challenges posed by the unique salinity and currents in the Persian Gulf, restricting their operational effectiveness in some areas.

The Ghadir-class mini-submarines represent an important part of Iran’s expanding submarine capabilities. With a reported fleet size of 15-23 vessels, the Ghadir-class submarines are small, coastal diesel-electric boats, ideal for operations in shallow waters. These submarines are equipped with two 533mm torpedo tubes and have the ability to launch torpedoes or anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCMs). The Ghadir-class provides Iran with a more flexible option for operations close to shore, where larger submarines like the Kilo-class would be less effective. Notably, these mini-submarines are built indigenously, showcasing Iran's growing domestic submarine production capabilities.

Iran also operates the Nahang-class mini-submarine, which is reportedly used for transporting special operations forces. Although this vessel lacks torpedo tubes, it may carry mines or torpedoes externally, giving it a niche role in Iran’s maritime operations. The Nahang-class, like the Ghadir-class, is designed for coastal and shallow water operations, contributing to the flexibility of Iran’s submarine fleet.

While Iran has no nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) or ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), its focus on mini-submarines like the Ghadir-class and advancements in torpedo technology such as the Valfajr make it a formidable regional power in maritime security. These vessels, along with retrofitting efforts for older submarines and the development of new submersible technologies, ensure that Iran maintains an effective and adaptive naval force.

Iran is also experimenting with unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) and swimmer delivery vehicles (SDVs) for special operations. These technologies, although still in their early stages, may further enhance Iran’s ability to conduct covert operations, reconnaissance, and asymmetric warfare in coastal waters and beyond. In particular, SDVs like the Sabehat-15, which has been tested by both the IRIN and the IRGCN, can be used for reconnaissance or to deploy mines, enhancing Iran's ability to conduct irregular warfare.

The modernization of Iran’s submarine fleet is further exemplified by the Fateh-class's planned integration of an air-independent propulsion (AIP) system. This technology, which would allow the vessels to operate underwater for extended periods without the need to surface for air, would greatly enhance the operational endurance of these submarines. The upgrade to AIP is expected to give the Fateh-class submarines significantly improved performance, making them more capable of conducting extended missions in deeper waters like the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean.

Iran’s expanding submarine fleet is not merely about enhancing military capabilities; it also plays a strategic role in Iran’s national security and its broader defense strategy. Submarines, especially in a region as geopolitically sensitive as the Persian Gulf, serve as a powerful deterrent against foreign naval presence and can influence global shipping routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz. By controlling access to this vital chokepoint, Iran can exert significant influence over the flow of global energy markets, especially oil and gas, which are crucial to the economies of many nations.

The IRIN’s operations extend beyond the Persian Gulf, with Iranian submarines also deployed in the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Oman, and the Indian Ocean. The ability to operate in such diverse and challenging environments adds a layer of flexibility to Iran’s naval power projection. The combination of conventional submarine designs and cutting-edge technologies such as the Valfajr torpedo, AIP systems, and mini-submarines further bolsters Iran’s regional influence.

The successful launch of the Valfajr torpedo from the Fateh-class submarine is not just a demonstration of Iran’s increasing technological sophistication but also a statement of its strategic intent. As Iran continues to modernize and expand its submarine fleet, integrating new technologies and refining its undersea warfare capabilities, the country’s naval forces are poised to remain a potent force in the region. Iran’s growing submarine capabilities, underscored by innovations such as the Valfajr torpedo and the anticipated AIP upgrade for the Fateh-class, are key components of its broader strategy to assert control over vital maritime regions and ensure national security in an increasingly volatile geopolitical environment.