Navy to Stage Massive Naval Drills in Winter
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Navy plans to hold massive naval drills in the coming months, a senior Iranian navy commander announced on Saturday.
“Velayat 92 naval wargames will be held in (Iranian calendar month of) Dey (December 22, 2013 – January 20, 2014),” Iranian Navy commander Habibollah Sayyari told reporters.
Sayyari also said Navy is using drones in its naval missions, adding that the country’s Khark helicopter-carrier warship have been equipped with naval Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
Speaking to Tasnim in August, Lieutenant Commander of the Iranian Navy Admiral Gholam Reza Biqam had said that his forces are likely to unveil a new advanced submarine called Fateh (Conqueror) in the upcoming ’Velayat 92’ naval wargames.
“The construction phases of this submarine is underway at the Defense Industries Organization and will be completed in the near future.”
Biqam expressed hope that the 527-ton Fateh submarine would soon join Iran's defense forces.
The new submarine is highly mobile and can move fast in deep waters. It is also capable of firing torpedoes and planting mines.
Later in August, Sayyari had said that Fateh is ready to be launched.