TEHRAN -- Navy commander Rear Admiral Shahram Irani says Iran will launch a domestically-designed and manufactured cadet training ship within the next two years.
Irani said part of the Loghman-class vessel named Khalij Fars (Persian Gulf) has already been completed, and the remaining steps are being undertaken at Iran Shipbuilding & Offshore Industries Complex Co. (ISOICO).
The training ship will be operational within the next two years, he said.
“Our primary focus is to bring domestic knowledge-based companies into play. Accordingly, we have involved qualified technicians in order to make use of their relevant expertise and advance the Navy’s projects,” Irani said.
The Iranian Navy commander went on to say that the second and third units of homegrown and semi-heavy Fateh (Conqueror) submarine are being built.
“The required number of the submarines will be determined by the strategies of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the intensity of threats facing the country. What is of great importance is that there is no limit to their production,” the senior Iranian military figure highlighted.
Irani added that the conceptual design, theoretical model and specifications of Be’sat (Revelation) submarine have all been completed, and the watercraft is in the construction phase.
“Its development is making good progress. However, the exact date of its launch cannot be ascertained as of now,” he said.
Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Muhammad Hussein Baqeri lauded the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy for its achievements and growing capabilities.
Addressing a gathering of the IRGC Navy commanders and officials in the northeastern city of Mashhad, Major General Baqeri said the force has great accomplishments in gaining sea-launched precision cruise missiles and drones and in other areas.
“Thank God, we have witnessed incredible and proud advancements and developments in the capabilities of the IRGC Navy over the past four years, which have elevated the Islamic Republic of Iran’s deterrence power,” he stated.
There has been significant progress in the force’s different vessel, missile and drone units in recent years, he added.
He also stressed the strategic role of the naval forces and said that the IRGC Navy has been successful in carrying out its missions to safeguard the interests of the country in the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman.
The security seen in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Sea of Oman and the level of protection of Iran’s interests in the region are better today than any time in the past, the top commander added.
Major General Baqeri also hailed the level of cooperation, coordination, unity and fraternity between the Navy of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Army and the IRCG Navy.
Despite the enemy’s sanctions and maximum pressures, the Islamic Republic of Iran’s military power is incredible, powerful and deterrent, he further said.