Iran’s Navy Develops New Sub Armed with Missiles

Deputy Commander of the Iranian Navy, Rear Admiral Qolam-Reza Khadem Bigham, has announced that its new indigenously-developed Fateh-class submarines are armed with missiles and torpedoes with high power and efficiency. Adm. Bigham also said that the existing Ghadir-class (Yono IS 120-class) midget submarines could now fire missiles and torpedoes simultaneously. (IHS Jane's Missiles & Rockets, 22 August)

The first Fateh-class submarine will be publicly shown in the near future, and will become operational by the end of this year, according to IRIN. The new sub is believed to have displacement of about 500 tons, limiting its firepower. No details of the design or its armament have been released.

IRIN Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari had said that aside from Fateh-class submarines, Kaman-class missile-launcher warships and Jamaran 2 destroyer will become operational in the current Iranian calendar year (ending 20 March 2014).

File photo: Ghadir-class midget submarines (IRINN)

US to Add More Ships in Persian Gulf

U.S. Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert, the chief of naval operations, has told reporters in Washington that the Navy is adding four more mine-sweeping ships and four more CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopters with mine-detection capability in the Persian Gulf to counter threats from Iran to block the Strait of Hormuz and stop the flow of oil [LA Times, 18 March].

Adm. Greenert has also said he plans to assign more patrol craft to the Gulf, possibly armed with Mark 38 Gatling guns. The same kind of guns that could be placed on ships, including carriers, to provide protection for aircraft carriers and other large ships. The guns are regarded as effective defense against any Iranian attempt to “swarm” large U.S. ships with their smaller speedboats. The Iranians are also thought to have been laying mines along the country’s coastlines.

The U.S. needs sufficient capability "to set the theater" in the gulf, Adm. Greenert added.

Iran Navy '18th Task Force' docked at Saudi Arabia

According to Fars News Agency:

The 18th flotilla of warships dispatched by Iran to the Gulf of Aden on an anti-piracy mission docked at the Saudi port city of Jeddah today, Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said on Saturday. 

The Iranian Navy dispatched its 18th flotilla of warships to the Gulf of Aden on January 21 to protect the country's cargo ships and oil tankers against Somali pirates. 

Addressing a ceremony here in Tehran today, Sayyari said the Iranian Navy's fleet of warships, comprised of Khark warship and Shahid Naqdi destroyer, docked at Jeddah this morning, and added that the mission is part of the Navy's moves in line with the orders of the Supreme Leader for having a stronger presence in the high seas. 

The commander said that the navy ships' 70-80-day mission is aimed at demonstrating Iran's power in the high seas. 

File Photos (click to enlarge):

IRINS Kharg (431) Kharg class replenishment ship (AORH)

IRINS Shahid Naqdi (82) Bayandar (PF 103) class corvette (FS)

File photos:
Islamic Republic News Agecy
Hamed Jafarnejad at Fars News Agency