New Fateh-Class Subs to Join Iranian Navy Soon

Two new types of the domestically-designed Fateh-class submarine will join the Iranian Navy "in the near future.”

Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Shahram Irani made the announcement on April 25. He added that 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 was quoted as saying by state media. “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.”

The 600-ton Fateh is among semi-heavy submarines and is equipped with 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 200m 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.