DM: Iran's Newly-Launched Submarines to Boost Security in Persian Gulf News
number: 890517137519:00 | 2010-08-08Defence

http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=8905171375

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi
announced on Sunday that Iran has launched four home-built submarines in the
country's southern waters earlier today in a move to protect security in the
Persian Gulf.

"The chain of the country's defensive products was completed after the
mass-production of these submarines and production of different
rocket-launching frigates, and this capability (of our country) is at the
service of peace, stability and security in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of
Oman," Vahidi said, addressing an official ceremony held to mark the launch
of the four Ghadir-class submarines.

Iran launched four light and advanced submarines today. The Ghadir-class
submarines, made by the Defense Ministry's Marine Industries, officially
joined Iran's naval fleet in an official ceremony attended by Vahidi and
Commander of the Army's Navy Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari.

Vahidi further pointed to the specifics of the four submarines, and said,
"In addition to rapid transfer of forces and detection of the enemy's
surface and subsurface vessels, these submarines can identify military
targets and carry special forces, while they also enjoy rapid swamp power
and have radar (sonar) evading capability."

The Iranian minister described a modern torpedo-launching system mounted on
the submarines as among their important features, and added, "The system
enjoys high-precision in targeting."

Iran has been pushing an arms development program in recent years in a bid
to reach self-sufficiency. It has produced its own jet fighters and armored
vehicles as well as radar-avoiding missiles and other high-tech weapons.

Iranian officials have always stressed that the country's military and arms
programs serve defensive purposes and should not be perceived as a threat to
any other country.

Iran announced in June 2009 that a home-made submarine, named Ghadir 948,
had joined the naval brigade of the first naval zone.

In November 2009, Iran announced that its first domestically built Ghadir
class submarine launched operation.

The Iranian military said that the submarine can easily evade detection as
it is equipped with sonar-evading technology and can fire missiles and
torpedoes simultaneously.