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Iran_Submarine_forces
Thu 16 May 2019
By H I Sutton

Iranian Submarine Forces

Quantity they say, has a quality all of its own. Iran has one of the largest submarine fleets in the world, and most are
relatively small midget submarines. These are however ideally suited to the restricted waterways of the Straits of Hormuz and
Persian Gulf.

The largest and most capable submarines in Iran’s fleet are three Russian built Project 877 KILO Class boats. These diesel-
electric boats are still capable although increasingly dated. They have been maintained locally and may have received some
modest capability enhancements, although Iran has had difficulty maintaining some original features including the Anechoic
tiles. The boats can carry heavyweight torpedoes and likely have a modest anti-submarine capability.
Original artwork - CLICK for HIGH-RESOLUTION image.

The KILOs are complemented by a single 48 meter long Fateh Class coastal submarine, similar in size to the German Type-
206 design. This truly indigenous design carries significantly more weapons than the midget submarines while being able to
operate in shallower water than most Western submarines. It can likely carry YT-534-UW1 heavyweight anti-ship torpedoes
and Jask-2 lightweight anti-ship missiles. The type may have a limited anti-submarine capability although it is unclear what
torpedo would be carried for that purpose. We should also assume a mine laying and special forces capability.

*Photographs by Mohammad Aqa*

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The Fateh followed on from the single Nahang Class midget submarine in the lineage of Iranian designed submarines. This
small 24 meter boat can be armed with mines and possibly anti-ship torpedoes. It is based on Bandar Abbas on the Straits of
Hormuz.

Far more numerous than the Nahang are the IS-120 Ghadir Class midget submarines which are the Iranian copy of the North
Korean MS29 Yono Class. These are armed with twin torpedo tubes for YT-534-UW1 heavyweight anti-ship torpedoes and
Jask-2 lightweight anti-ship missiles. At least some of the boats likely carry the missile.

The tactic used by the Ghadirs to restrict merchant ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is to sit on the surface, blending
in with the fishing fleet until a target is reported, then submerging to await their pray.

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Current analysis suggests 14 Ghadirs in service although previous estimates have been as high as 20. Most or all are now
thought to be operated by the Iranian Navy although the Navy of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC-N) may
operate some.

The IRGC-N also operates two North Korean Taedong-B torpedo armed submersible boats which likely serve as long ranged
swimmer delivery vehicles (SDVs) for commandoes and combat swimmers. They are known as the Kajami Class, and more
recently as the Zulfikar Class, in Iranian service. They carry two 324mm lightweight anti-ship missiles.

The final type operated by the IRGC-N is the e-Ghavasi human torpedo. These one or two man wet submarines can carry a
large limpet mine under the cockpit. It is unclear how many are in service.
Original artwork: CLICK for HIGH RESOLUTION:

Finally the Iranian Special Boat Squadron (SBS), part of the Marines, operate the Al-Sabehat 15 Swimmer Delivery Vehicle.
This is normally launched over the side of an amphibious warfare ship and is primarily used for beach reconnaissance, but
could carry limpet mines for ship attack.

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