Iran announces serial production of YT-534 UW1 'Valfajr' torpedo

Iran on 13OCT15 announced serial production of the the Marine Industries Organization YT-534 UW1 Valfajr ("Dawn") anti-surface torpedo.

According to MODAFL, this latest variant of the YT-534 (North Korean export designation for PT-97W) is "mostly utilized in the submarines," features "short pre-launch preparation time" and "detects the target with radars and sonar."

This variant with "U" in the designation appears to provide the Ghadr-class midget submarine with capability to launch the YT-534 type wake homing torpedo. Indeed the video provided below appears to depict an IRIN Ghadr-class test-launching a YT-534 UW1 Valfajr torpedo.

The Valfajr torpedo was previously announced in 2011 with specifications that included a 220 kg warhead.

Seeker head detail of YT-534 UW1 Valfajr ("Dawn") torpedo

Announcing serial production of the YT-534 UW1 Valfajr ("Dawn") torpedo, left to right:
- IRIN Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari
- Minister of Defense IRGC Brig. Gen. Hossein Dehghan
- IRIN Rear Admiral Amir Rastegari, military head of of Marine Industries Organization (MIO)

IRIN Submarine Test-Launch of Valfajr Torpedo:

Photos: Islamic Republic News Agency

Iran claims serial production of Nasr aircraft-launched AShCM

On 25AUG15 Iran’s Defense Minister IRGC Brig. Gen. Hossein Dehghan announced serial production of the Nasr ("Victory") aircraft-launched anti-ship cruise missile (AShCM).

The Nasr aircraft-launched AShCM was previously publicized on 25SEP13, fitted to IRIAF McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom, serial 3-6649 / 01551 (cn 4743),  prior to completed Dowran Phase I upgrade.

Iranian media appears to have recycled photos from 25SEP13, previously unpublished for this 25AUG15 announcement. Same aircraft serial 3-6649 and same Nasr unit can be seen in the older publicity: click HERE.

In the current announcement,  Deghgan further claimed “plans are underway to install the air-launched cruise missile on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)” [source: Tasnim News Agency]

COMMENTARY: MODAFL again publicizes Iranian missile technology during this period of political debate in Iran revolving around adoption of JCPOA. The Rouhani administration is on the defensive for perceived compromises made related to continued terms of sanctions applied to Iran's arms industry, arms acquisitions and specifically domestic missile programs. 

Photos: Islamic Republic News Agency

Possible movement towards Russian S-300 delivery to Iran

IRI Defense Minister IRGC Brig. Gen. Dehghan on 18AUG15 at the National Defense Industry Day in Tehran

According to The Economic Times:

Iran will sign a contract with Russia next week to buy four S-300 surface-to-air missile systems, the Iranian defence minister said on Tuesday, bringing Tehran closer to acquiring an advanced air defence capability.

Russian state arms producer Almaz-Antey in June said it would supply Iran with a modernised version of the S-300, among the world's most capable air defence systems, once a commercial agreement was reached.

"The text of the contract is ready and our friends will go to Russia next week to sign the contract," Defence Minister Hossein Dehghan was quoted as saying by the Fars news agency.

According to Fars News Agency:

[O]n the delivery of the Russia-made S-300 surface-to-air missile defense system, [Iranian Defense Minister Dehghan} said that Tehran had asked for 3 battalions of S-300, while a fourth system has recently been added to the order.

According to Fox News:

Despite a ban on arms shipments to Iran under international sanctions, Russia appears willing to proceed with the sale of advanced S-300 surface-to-air missiles to the country -- in a development triggering objections from the Obama administration.

Russia, along with the U.S. and others, was a party to the recently struck Iran nuclear agreement, which keeps the arms embargo in place for five more years. A State Department official told Fox News this specific S-300 missile system is not technically prohibited under United Nations sanctions or the nuclear deal. But the department does not want the sale to proceed.

“We certainly object to it,” department spokesman John Kirby told reporters.

COMMENTARY: Iranian sources are reporting the S-300 issue was a prime topic of discussion during Foreign Minister Zarif's trip to Moscow earlier this week.

Delivery of such a weapon system would provide the Rouhani administration with a tangible advance in the field of defense, consequential to its successful nuclear negotiations. It may even be recognized  for its domestic political value by Iranian proponents of JCPOA, as serving to undercut or possibly placate critics of JCPOA among Iran's military and conservative establishment.

Should there actually be movement for this long-stalled arms transaction, it will be interesting to see which type of system is actually delivered to Iran.

Per a IHS Jane’s Defense Weekly report, dated 25JUN15:

Iran will "not necessarily" order the S-300VM Antey-2500 air defence system, Russia's Interfax-AVN news agency cited a "high-ranking source in military-technological co-operation" as saying on 23JUN15.

There was widespread presumption among Russian analysts that Iran would have to accept the S-300VM because the S-300PMU-1 that it originally ordered is no longer produced by Almaz-Antey.

S-300VM systems are currently being made for Egypt, which is a close ally of Saudi Arabia, Iran's main regional rival, so Tehran might consider it to have been compromised and consequently a less attractive option than systems from the very different S-300PMU series.

The Russian business newspaper Kommersant reported on 22 June that, after "some hesitation", Iran had decided to take the S-300VM. It added that the only other option for Iran was the S-400 Triumph system, but that would be significantly more expensive and would take longer to deliver as Almaz-Antey has a backlog of orders from the Russian armed forces and China.

This assertion appeared to be echoed by the senior source cited by Interfax-AVN on 23 June. "It would be practically impossible and economically inexpedient to supply systems in the form and under the conditions set out in the old contract," he said. "This is because, first and foremost, series production of these systems stopped a long time ago."

However, he added that the systems Iran would ultimately order "will not necessarily be Antey-2500 … other options are also being discussed". The source raised the possibility that Iran could get a more advanced version of the S-300PMU series than the one it originally ordered, saying Russia could modernise systems that have been retired by the Russian armed forces. "They would not be new systems, but ones that have been used by troops for some time [which would have to undergo] serious modernisation," he said.

Iranian generals' public statements on the Yemen conflict

At left: NEZAJA Commander Brig. Gen. Pourdastan at an indoctrination renewal ceremony held earlier this week

On the topic of the current conflict in Yemen, the commander of Iran's Army ground force (NEZAJA) Brig. Gen. Ahmad Reza Pourdastan this week stated, “Despite Saudi Arabia’s airstrikes on Yemen, it should be noted the result of this war will not be decided in the air. The country of Yemen has strong ground forces, therefore this conflict will be determined on the ground.” Pourdastan added, “Saudi Arabia’s aggression against Yemen will clearly confront defeat; its [the intervention’s] consequences over the past two weeks are clearly to be seen.” [source: Mehr News]

Above: Defense Ministers Dehghan and Ryacudu at the Moscow Conference on International Security

At a security conference in Moscow on 16APR15, IRGC Brig. Gen. Hossein Dehghan, Iran’s defense minister, stated, “The Saudi government, which undertook this military invasion with the help of America and Israel and intelligence help from some regional countries, will not only achieve its own illegitimate goals, but has provided the grounds for its own collapse and irreparable failures and a similar fate of that of Saddam [Hussein] awaits it.”

He added, “The Saudi government should know that by supporting financially, logistically and by training of takfiris and terrorists in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Central Asia and the Caucuses, and attacking Yemen while preventing humanitarian aid, will not turn it into an important country in the region.” Dehghan went on to say Saudi Arabia will become an important country in the region when it can unite Muslims and bring together the different sects, given that they are the custodian of the two holy mosques in Islam. [source: Al-Monitor]

Visible among the Iranian military delegation at the Moscow Conference on International Security include:
- IRGC brigadier generals (x2), IRGC brigadier generals 2C (x3)
- IRIAF brigadier general 2C, IRIAF colonel
- IRIA colonel

MODAFL ceremony for serial production of Ghadir ASCM

Above: lineup of Ghadir ASCMs displayed before open missile box containers

On 14MAR15 Iran's Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL) held a ceremony in Tehran marking serial production of the Ghadir ("Able") anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM) type. Note: alternate spellings in English for this ASCM include "Qader" and "Qadir".

MODAFL claims for the Ghadir ASCM include: "capabilities such as low flying altitude, high navigation precision, high targeting precision, high destruction power, highly advanced anti-electronic warfare and anti-jamming systems, advanced radar systems and the capability of being fired from different types of vessels and helicopters." Also, claimed operational range is for the weapon is 300 km. [source: Fars News Agency]

Banners seen in photos of the ceremony bear the emblem of Iran's Aerospace Industries Organization (AIO).

Detail of serial production Ghadir anti-ship cruise missile

Displayed model type of Ghadir anti-ship cruise missile

On hand at the Ghadir ASCM production ceremony, left to right:
- IRGC-N Commander Rear Admiral Ali Fadavi
- Defense Minister IRGC Brigadier General Hossein Dehghan
- Deputy Defense Minister IRGC Brigadier General 2C Reza Talaei-Nik

VIDEO (IRINN):

Photos: Islamic Republic News Agency

IRINS Damavand enters service with 4th Naval Region fleet

On 09MAR15 the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy (IRIN) held a ceremony at Bandar Anzali, formally inducting the IRINS Damavand frigate into service with the 4th Naval Region fleet on the Caspian Sea.

IRINS Damavand (77) Moudge class guided missile frigate (FFGH)

Assembled officers, sailors, military band and color guard, marking the induction ceremony of IRINS Damavand into service with IRIN 4th Naval Region fleet

Look-down view of IRINS Damavand at the port city of Bandar Anzali

Iran considers its frigates as destroyers, going so far as to use the hull classification symbols of "DDG" as seen on the gangway banner at far left. In addition, there appears to be contradictory classification among Iranian military leaders as well as Iran media as to the class of this warship, with some references identifying the ship as Moudge class and others as Jamaran II class.

View of IRINS Damvand's bow-mounted Fajr-27 (OTO Melara type) 76 mm naval defense gun

Engineers, specialists and workers of Shahid Tamjidi Industries, responsible for the construction of IRINS Damavand guided missile frigate.

Military leadership on hand at the induction ceremony of IRINS Damavand (front row, left to right):
- IRIN RDML Gholam Reza Khadem Biqam, IRIN lieutenant commander
- IRGC BG Hossein Dehghan, IRI defense minister
- IRIN RADM Ali Shamkhani, SNSC secretary
- IRIN RDML Habibollah Sayyari, IRIN commander

VIDEO:

Photos: Islamic Republic News Agency

Iran publicly unveils Soumar land-attack cruise missile

 

Iran on 08MAR15 publicly unveiled the Soumar land-attack cruise missile (LACM). The Iranian LACM appears very similar in configuration to the Soviet-era Raduga OKB Kh-55 air-launched cruise missile (NATO: AS-15 'Kent'), it also appears to feature a booster arrangement similar to the Soviet-era Novator RK-55 Granat land-based cruise missile (NATO: SSC-X-4 'Slingshot’). It's also possible the Soumar represents a further development of the Iranian Meshkat (“Lantern”) medium-range cruise missile program.

Soumar LACM bears the emblem of Iran's Aerospace Industries Organization (AIO).

Iran has been known to have obtained from a Ukraine source up to twelve examples of the Soviet-era Kh-55 back in 2001, some fourteen years ago. Thus the timing of Iran's public unveiling of the Soumar LACM is of interest, in terms of posturing before the upcoming nuclear negotiations deadline with the P5+1, as well as possibly attempting to influence the upcoming Israeli election.

The name of this Iranian LACM is also significant; apparently a reference to the town of Soumar in Iran, where virtually the entire population was killed by WMD attack and the city destroyed during the Iran-Iraq War. The town was never rebuilt, serving as a memorial similar to that of Oradour-sur-Glane, France. [see HERE]

Presumed payload of the Soumar type LACM is approximated to be 200 kilograms, with range estimates of 2000 to 3000 kilometers. Such a range would provide Iran with another lever of second-strike capability (in addition to ballistic missiles), enhancing its defense based on deterrence.

Presumed further development would include air and ship-launched variants, increasing the potential reach of this cruise missile type.

Five examples of Soumar LACM, displayed by Iran’s  Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL)

Detail of the Soumar LACM booster, similar in arrangement to the Soviet-era RK-55

Soumar LACM drop-down turbofan engine, similar in arrangement to the Soviet-era Kh-55

Video still of Soumar LACM test launch from mobile TEL

Video still of Soumar LACM launch, exiting box launcher

Video still of Soumar LACM, in flight

Graphic depicting possible targeting range of Soumar LACM

Iranian media was also provided this imagery in publicizing MODAFL's  claim of mass production and delivery to IRGC-ASF of Qadr and Qiam type ballistic missiles. As in the case of Soumar LACM, the timing of this publicity is likely linked to the issue of Iran's position that its deterrent force of missile not be included in negotiations over its nuclear power program.

VIDEO:

Photos: Islamic Republic of Iran News Agency and Press TV

Rouhani administration to increase defense spending by over 30%

Above: grainy video still of assembly line for Safir jeeps, a type supplied to allied forces of the Iran-led coalition against ISIL in Iraq.

 According to Tasnim News Agency, dated 07DEC14:

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani submitted to the parliament the proposed budget bill for coming Iranian calendar year (starting on March 21, 2015) in which the total defense budget has increased by 32.5 percent.

The overall draft budget ceiling is estimated at over 293 billion dollars.

The coming year’s defense budget stands at approximately 10 billion dollars, 32.5 percent higher than the previous year’s nearly 7.5 billion dollars.

The proposed budget bill will be subject to parliamentary debates and amendments.

The allocation of more financial resources to the national defense budget is aimed at reinforcing the country’s defense capabilities.

COMMENTARY: On the face of it this announcement would be considered surprising, given a reduced projected revenue based on falling crude oil pricing. There are at least a couple of takeaways from this proposed defense budget increase:

1) The proposal may be a means of political posturing for the Rouhani administration, in seeking to present itself as being tough on defense, while...

2) Positioning its nuclear negotiations as a means of reducing sanctions and-- importantly-- being able to live up to a proposed increase in defense spending.

Currently, Iran is faced with increasing security threats in the region and at its borders, manifested by advances made by ISIL and al-Qaida linked groups. Increases in defense spending can be seen as a response to such. And naturally Iran's military leadership would be pleased to receive a greater expenditure from the national treasury.

Unclear if the Iranian means of defense budgeting mirrors the American example, in not including direct costs of foreign wars, certain types of strategic weapons research or certain examples of foreign military-related assistance.

Iran Electronics Industries Hafez phased-array radar

Above: video still of IEI Hafez ("Retentive") phased-array radar, claimed to be in production

MODAFL on Sunday publicized claims of launching production lines for three domestically-manufactured radar systems for IRIADF : Hafez, Arash-2 and Kayhan. Iran's Deputy Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami made the announcement at a ceremony held at Shiraz.

Hafez is claimed as "a medium range 'phased array, active and 3-dimensional radar,' which is paired with the home-made Mersad air defense system" (updated MIM-23B I-HAWK).

Further claims include ability to detect and track multiple targets from a distance of 250 km.

Mobile radar platform for Hafez system appears to be adapted Iveco 450 Trakker type vehicle.

Detail of vehicle-mounted Hafex phased-array antennae

Detail of Hafez radar operator console

VIDEO:

Lebanese defense minister in Tehran to discuss Iranian military aid, cooperation

Above: Iranian Defense Minister Brig. Gen. Hossein Dehghan shakes hands with LAF delegation, while Lebanese Defense Minister Samir Moqbel (background, far right) looks on.

According to AFP (via Al Arabiya), dated 18OCT14:

Lebanon's defense minister on Saturday started a three-day visit to Tehran for talks expected to culminate in him securing military equipment to bolster Beirut's fight against jihadists.

Samir Moqbel's visit comes two weeks after Iran vowed to supply Lebanon's army with much-needed equipment following its deadly clashes with fighters from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and al-Qaeda affiliate, al-Nusra Front, on the Syrian border in August.

Moqbel will meet his Iranian counterpart Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan to discuss how to improve military cooperation and combat regional security challenges, Fars news agency reported

Meetings with Iran's President Hassan Rouhani, parliament speaker Ali Larijani and Supreme National Security Council Secretary [Rear Admiral] Ali Shamkhani are also scheduled, according to Fars.

Iran's offer of military support -- made when Shamkhani visited Beirut last month -- followed aid packages for Lebanon's army from Tehran's regional rival Riyadh as well as from Washington.

COMMENTARY: According to a regional source, specified Iranian military aid includes the following:

- DShK type heavy machine guns with 12.7×108mm ammunition

- BGM-71 TOW type ATGMs

- Night-vision optics

- 60 mm and 120 mm mortars, ammunition

- T-55 and T-62 tank main armament ammunition

- 155 mm howitzer type ammunition

Iranian military aid to Lebanon would mirror its current assistance to Syria, Iraq, Iraqi-Kurdistan and possibly Yemen in the war against ISIL and al-Qaeda affiliates, reflecting an uncoordinated, competing coalition effort to that led by the United States.

 

Lebanese Defense Minister Samir Moqbel, to his left a brigadier general and colonel of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF)

Photos: Tasnim News Agency

Falaq mobile rocket launcher & Zafar tactical vehicle

Seen at least as far back as the 2013 Sacred Defense Parade at Tehran, MODAFL has now formally publicized the Falaq ("Twilight") mobile rocket launcher, seen here firing a 333 mm Falaq-2 rocket.

Falaq mobile rocket launcher utilizes variant of Kaviran tactical vehicle; product of DIO

Open source evidence depicts combat applications of similar Falaq rocket launcher type arrangements in use during current Syrian conflict, possibly explaining the timing of this formal publicity. MODAFL claims Falaq rocket launcher system "capability to destroy enemy targets within a radius of 10 kilometers."

Another defense product of DIO now publicized by MODAFL is the Zafar ("Victory") 8x8 tactical heavy vehicle. Claimed specifications include two steerable axles, an operational range of 800 kilometers and capable of carrying loads up to 24 tons over moderately rough terrain and obstacles.

MODAFL claims Zafar vehicle "capable of carrying various launchers, missiles, radars, rockets and command posts”

VIDEO (Irib News)

Photos: YJC.ir and Islamic Republic News Agency

PANHA overhauls twenty Iranian military helicopters

Iran's Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL) on 04JUN14 publicized Iran Aviation Industries Organization (IAIO) overhaul efforts at Iran Helicopter Support and Renewal Company (IHSRC), known by its Persian acronym as PANHA. Further clarified, twenty overhauled helicopters in Iranian media reports include:

- Agusta AB-205A-1
- Bell 212 Twin Two-Twelve
- Agusta AB-212ASW
- Bell 214 Isfahan
- Bell 412
- Agusta SH-3D Sea King (AS-61)
- Sikorsky RH-53D Sea Stallion (S-65A)
- Boeing (Elicotteri Meridionali) CH-47C Chinook (219)
- Mil Mi-17-1(Sh)

Below are related media photos taken at PANHA:

IRINA Sikorsky RH-53D Sea Stallion (S-65A), serial 9-2701 (cn 65-412)

IRINA Sikorsky RH-53D Sea Stallion (S-65A), serial 9-2701 (cn 65-412)

IRINA Sikorsky RH-53D Sea Stallion (S-65A), serial 9-2701 (cn 65-412)

IRINA Sikorsky RH-53D Sea Stallion (S-65A), serial 9-2701 (cn 65-412)

IRINA Agusta SH-3D Sea King (AS-61) type helicopters, serials 9-2313 and 9-2320

IRINA Agusta AB-212ASW, serial 6-2410 (cn 5539)

IRIPA Mil Mi-17-1(Sh), serial 1805

Detail of IRIPA Mil Mi-17-1(Sh), serial 1805

IRIAA Bell AH-1J International Cobra (209)

IRIAF Boeing (Elicotteri Meridionali) CH-47C Chinook (219), serial 5-9306

Foreground: IRIAA Bell 214A Isfahan medium-lift helicopter
Background: IRIAA Bell 212 type Twin Two-Twelve

IRIPA Bell (Agusta) AB-206A JetRanger, serial 1514

Foreground: IRIPA Bell 214 type Isfahan medium-lift helicopter

Background: IRIAA Bell 212 Twin Two-Twelve

Left: Agusta AB-205A-1, appears to include IHSRC markings

Right: possible IRGC-AF Bell 214A Isfahan

Possible IRGC-AF Bell 214A Isfahan medium-lift helicopter

Video:

Photos: Tasnim News Agency