Iran launches four submarines in Persian Gulf

Iran announced on Sunday that it has launched four domestically-made mini-submarines in the Persian Gulf.

Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Reza Vahidi hailed the occasion as a sign of progress in Iranian military ingenuity, local satellite Press TV reported.

Vahidi said that the stealth submarine is capable of launching torpedoes as well as precision targeting, the report said.

"The mass production of this strategic vessel has been carried out with the aim of increasing the defense capabilities of the Naval Forces, "and today four advanced Ghadir submarines joined the Iranian naval fleet," Vahidi was quoted as saying.

"With the mass production of this submarine alongside various guided-missile launchers the country's defensive production chain is complete, and these capabilities will be used to serve peace, stability and security in the Persian Gulf region and the Sea of Oman," said Vahidi.

Referring to the military presence of some western countries in the Persian Gulf, he said there is "no need for the presence of outside forces" in the region.

According to Press TV, the Ghadir submarine was first unveiled in 2007. The 120-ton vessel has excellent shallow depth performance, and can carry out long-term coastal missions. The Iranian fleet currently has 11 Ghadir submarines.

Apart from three Russian-built Kilo class diesel submarines, the Iranian Navy also operates another home-made 500-ton submarine in its patrol missions in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.

Source: Xinhua