In-Depth Study of Submarine Classes: Kilo, Fateh, Ghadir, and Besat
Iran’s Indigenous Submarine Fleet: Fateh and Ghadir Classes
Fateh-Class Submarine: Iran’s First Semi-Heavy Submarine
- Displacement: About 527 tons
- Armament:
- Four 533 mm torpedo tubes
- Capable of carrying naval mines and subsurface cruise missiles
- Speed:
- Surface: 11 knots (~20 km/h)
- Submerged: 14 knots (~26 km/h)
- Features:
- Equipped with 12 active/passive sonars for environment monitoring
- Designed for coastal defense and special operations
Ghadir-Class Submarine: Iran’s Midget Submarine
- Size and Displacement: 29 meters in length with a relatively small displacement
- Operational Use:
- Designed for coastal operations and special forces missions
- Capable of launching Jask 2 missile from underwater, a significant achievement in stealth operations
- Production and Service:
- All 21 units are active within the Iranian Navy, reflecting Iran’s focus on midget submarine technology
Strategic Role of Iran’s Indigenous Submarines
Iran’s Fateh and Ghadir classes highlight the country’s focus on asymmetric naval warfare, emphasizing coastal defense, surprise attacks, and special operations in the Persian Gulf and surrounding waters.
