Iran navy to build new destroyers

Iranian Navy’s Deputy Commander Rear Admiral Gholam-Reza Khadem Bigham says the navy aims to build new destroyers with state-of-the-art design and defense systems.

“The assembly line for the production of missile-launching frigates with advanced systems and modern features have been set up,” IRNA quoted Rear Admiral Bigham as saying on Friday.

He hailed the country’s first domestically-build and developed guided missile destroyer Jamaran and said, “The military capabilities … need to meet our defense requirements to protect the Islamic Republic’s interests against aerial, surface and sub-surface threats.”

Last February, the Iranian Navy launched the Jamaran destroyer with a displacement of around 1,420 tons, fitted with modern radars and other electronic warfare capabilities.

Jamaran, a multi-mission destroyer, can carry 120-140 personnel on board and is armed with a variety of surface-to-air missiles.

It has a top speed of up to 30 knots and has a helipad. It also features highly advanced anti-aircraft, anti-surface and anti-subsurface systems. The vessel has also been equipped with torpedoes and modern naval cannons.

Rear Admiral Bigham also said that the Naval Forces of the Islamic Republic Army is fully capable of defending the country as they continue to upgrade the navy’s defense systems.

He underscored the navy’s plans for longer missions in international waters and pointed out that more durable surface and sub-surface fleet were required to achieve the goal.