Iranian-built submarine to join naval force in May

Iranian designed and developed Fateh submarine is to join the country’s naval forces in May, Iran’s Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan said.

Dehqan made the announcement on Saturday, adding that the indigenous naval vessel has undergone essential tests and its faults have been corrected.

He said the submarine will probably join the Navy on May 24 which marks the anniversary of the liberation of Khorramshahr city during the eight-year imposed war with Iraq.

Fateh weighs nearly 500 tons and it is Iran’s newest semi-heavy submarine.

In recent years, Iran has made major breakthroughs in its defense sector and attained self-sufficiency in producing important military equipment and systems.

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

The Islamic Republic has also conducted several military drills to enhance the defense capabilities of its armed forces and to test modern military tactics and equipment.

Iran says its military might poses no threat to other countries, stating that its defense doctrine is based on deterrence.