Navy chief: Iran seeking ‘more successful presence’ in seas
Iran’s Navy chief Rear Admiral Shahram Irani said the Navy has prioritized updating and modernizing its vessels for “more successful presence” in the seas.
Given the challenges facing the countries in the world at seas such as smuggling, piracy and maritime terrorism, protecting and safeguarding the country’s interests requires having powerful navy at the regional and international levels, Irani said while addressing a press conference held on the occasion of Iran Navy Day on Saturday.
Referring to the Navy’s measures in this regard, Irani said the Iranian Navy is currently manufacturing a number of new submarines that will be soon brought to service.
Hailing the Navy’s missile power, the commander said his forces have missiles with a range of over 1,000 kilometers, adding that the Iranian Navy has also enhanced its electronic warfare capabilities.
Admiral Irani added that the Navy has begun to build destroyers more powerful than the Mowj-class ones, saying that two such military ships are being manufactured.
All ships of this class have a displacement of 1,500 tons and are the largest class of domestic warships, after drone carriers. Due to their function, they are classified as destroyers.
Irani also said strengthening floating military bases in the oceans is on the agenda.
Iran’s Navy has in recent years achieved self-sufficiency in manufacturing surface and sub-surface vessels.
It has also increased its presence in international waters to protect naval routes and provide security for merchant vessels and tankers.
Last year, the Iranian Navy’s 86th flotilla of warships successfully completed a round-the-world voyage after sailing 63,000 kilometers of sea routes over a period of eight months.