Iran Navy Set to Expand Presence in Int’l Waters


Iran Navy Set to Expand Presence in Int’l Waters

TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Navy commander elaborated on the overseas missions carried out by his forces, adding that the country’s naval forces are to take on a more active role in the high seas.

Speaking to the Tasnim News Agency on the occasion of the National Navy Day (November 28), Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari provided more details about the Navy’s achievements over the past years, as well as the presence of Iranian naval vessels in the high seas.

Iran’s naval forces have been present in the Red Sea, the Suez Canal and the Mediterranean Sea, Sayyari said, adding that they have also moved into the Pacific Ocean and the China Sea.

“Our presence will be expanded in the international waters in the not so distant future,” the commander added.

He also unveiled plans to boost the Navy’s capabilities, saying a number of new projects are underway, including mine-sweeping missions by naval choppers, equipping the helicopters with state-of-the-art weapons and mounting “the new generation of torpedoes” on the submarines.

Sayyari further added that a new submarine, known as Fateh (Conqueror) will likely be unveiled early next Iranian year (begins March 21, 2014).

“With the (Fateh) submarine joining the Navy fleet, we will make great strides in staying abreast of the latest sub-surface achievements,” the commander added.

In a recent development, the Iranian Navy launched two missile frigates called the Neizeh (Spear) and Tabarzin (Axe) as well as the Sirjan logistic warship on Sunday, December 1.

The three new vessels, which have been fully renovated by Iranian experts, were launched in the southern port of Bushehr.

Also on Saturday, the newly overhauled Lavan warship and SH3D combat helicopter joined the Iranian Navy as the country takes steps towards improving its military equipment.

The Lavan warship is capable of coastal bombardments as well as carrying choppers and armored personnel carriers. The Lavan logistic warship and SH3D Sea King helicopter returned to service after a series of renovation works.

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