Azernews.Az

By Sara Rajabova

The Iranian Navy commander said Iran will unveil the domestically designed and built Fateh (Conqueror) submarine in the next few months to ensure the maritime security of the Iranian vessels.

Commander of the Iranian Navy Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said after the manufacture of Ghadir submarine by Iranian experts, Fateh submarine will be put on display at the beginning of the next (Iranian calendar) year (starting March 21), Press TV reported.

Iran has so far launched different classes of advanced submarines, including Fateh, Ghadir, Qaem, and Nahang.

Sayyari said the Iranian naval forces have been conducting anti-piracy patrols in an area extending from the Indian Ocean to the Horn of Africa off the coast of Somalia.

He expressed hope that the establishment of maritime security in the area would bring about more economic benefits.

Iran's Navy launched the super-heavy Tareq 901 submarine overhauled by the Iranian experts in September 2012.

Ghadir submarine was first unveiled in 2007. The 120-ton submarine has excellent shallow depth performance, and can conduct prolonged coastal missions and launch torpedoes.

In recent years, Iran's Navy has been increasing its presence in international waters to protect naval routes and provide security for merchant vessels and tankers.

Iran has repeatedly asserted that its overseas naval presence is meant to convey a message of peace and friendship to the regional countries.

Tehran launched an arms development program during the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s to counter the weapons embargo imposed by the U.S. and its Western allies.

Iran has manufactured its own tanks, armored personnel carriers, missiles, radars, boats, submarines, and fighter planes since 1992.

Iran also unveiled its first domestically-manufactured long-range Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) in 2010.