Iran to showcase homemade submarine
By Sara Rajabova
Iran plans to put on display a domestically manufactured semi-heavy submarine in the coming months.
Head of the Iranian Navy's Industrial Research and Self-Sufficiency Organization Rear Admiral Ali Gholamzadeh said on October 8 that the organization is designing and building heavy and semi-heavy submarine, Press TV reported.
He also added that the Fateh (Conqueror) submarine will be unveiled this Iranian calendar year ending March 20, 2015.
Gholamzadeh further said there are three classes of submarines, adding that Iran has attained self-sufficiency in producing "light" submarines.
He went on to note that Iran's naval forces are present in the high seas to protect and ensure maritime security for ships and vessels.
Iran has so far launched different classes of home-made advanced submarines, including Fateh, Ghadir, Qaem, Nahang, Tareq and Sina.
In recent years, Iran has made great achievements in defense sector and attained self-sufficiency in producing essential military equipment and systems.
In June 2013, Iran launched its overhauled and modernized destroyer named Bayandor in the southern waters of the country.
Army officials say the Iranian Navy's power of safeguarding the country's territorial waters as well as maintaining security in regional and international waters will increase after the launch of Bayandor.
In September 2012, Iran's Navy launched the super-heavy Tareq 901 submarine overhauled by Iranian experts.
The Ghadir submarine was first unveiled in 2007. The 120-ton vessel has excellent shallow-depth performance and can conduct prolonged coastal missions and launch torpedoes.
Iran's first home-made destroyer, Jamaran, was launched in late February 2010. The Mowj Class vessel has a displacement of around 14,000 tons and is equipped with modern radars and electronic warfare capabilities and is armed with a variety of anti-ship, surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles.
Since 1992, Iran has manufactured its own tanks, armored personnel carriers, missiles, radars, boats, submarines and fighter planes. Tehran has frequently announced that its military might poses no threat to other countries, stating that its defense doctrine is based on deterrence.
Tehran has always announced that the country's military and arms programs serve defensive purposes and should not be perceived as a threat to any other country.