Press TV – April 25, 2023

Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Shahram Irani says two new types of the domestically-designed Fateh (Conqueror)-class submarine will join the force “in the near future.”

Irani made the announcement on Tuesday as he pointed to the Iranian Army’s latest achievements and plans to strengthen its naval units, saying the Fateh-2 and Fateh-3 submarines would soon be added to the country’s naval fleet.

“We plan to add [further equipment] to the [country’s] southern and northern fleet,” the Iranian Navy chief said. “Regarding the addition, we will have plans in the field of surface units as well as in the field of sub-surface units. Also, we will speed up the joining of Fateh-2 and -3 to strengthen our authority in the sub-surface area.”

Touching upon the new features and capabilities of the new Fateh submarines, he added, “Today, they are equipped with dual-purpose and domestically-made torpedoes, and all their test launches have been successful.”

Elsewhere in his remarks, Irani said the Navy would soon be the bearer of very good news for Iranians about a “unique achievement” by the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Navy, which will be announced to the media.

Launched early in 2013, the Iranian built submarine can reportedly launch cruise missile (pictured). Information from the Iranian launch was probably used in the development of North Korea’s missile. Click to enlarge

The 600-ton Fateh is among semi-heavy submarines and is equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry such as torpedoes and naval mines. Fateh is also outfitted with a guided-missile system and an advanced sonic radar system, which can identify enemy vessels. It can operate more than 200 meters below the sea surface for near five weeks.

Iran has so far launched different classes of domestically-built advanced submarines, including Ghadir, Qaem, Nahang, Tareq and Sina.

Iran’s Navy has in recent years also increased its presence in international waters to protect naval routes and provide security for merchant vessels and tankers. The Navy has managed to foil several attacks on both Iranian and foreign tankers during its missions in international waters.

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