Iran to Build 6,500-Ton Destroyer, Official Says
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Head of the Iranian Defense Ministry’s Marine Industries Organization Rear Admiral Amir Rastegari said construction of a heavy destroyer weighing 6,500 tons is on the agenda of the organization.
Speaking to the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) Sunday night, Rear Admiral Rastegari highlighted Iran’s progress in manufacturing subsurface vessels and said the Islamic Republic is among the world’s top 11 countries in terms of building submarines.
The official added that the country has indigenized the knowledge of manufacturing submarines.
He went on to say that the Marine Industries Organization has an extensive plan to build heavy vessels, and that the construction of a 6,500-ton destroyer is on the agenda.
The remarks came after a new domestically made submarine dubbed “Fateh (Conqueror)” joined the Iranian Navy’s fleet on Sunday.
The submarine submerged at a ceremony in Iran’s southern port city of Bandar Abbas, attended by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, Army Commander Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami, and Navy Commander Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi.
The watercraft has been developed by the Defense Ministry in collaboration with the Iranian academic centers and knowledge-based centers.
In comments at the unveiling ceremony, the defense minister said the 600-ton submarine is capable of launching torpedoes and anti-ship cruise missiles.
The main mission of Fateh is to combat hostile vessels and submarines using torpedoes and missiles.
It is also capable of laying naval mines and can be used also for reconnaissance missions.
Fateh is also capable of carrying special forces during guerilla operations at ports and coastal areas.