Islamic Republic of Iran Navy
Encyclopedia
The Iran
ian Navy
has traditionally been the smallest branch of Iran's armed forces and is designed mainly for securing its own ports and coast.
in World War II
. Following World War II, the fleet began replacing destroyed warships with destroyers, frigates and many smaller vessels, including powerboat
s and hovercraft
, many of which originated from the U.S. and UK, which had played a part in destroying much of the original equipment in World War II. In the 1970s, Iran planned to extend its naval reach into the Indian Ocean
; but this goal was curtailed by the Islamic Revolution (1979), and the ensuing western-backed first Gulf War (Iran–Iraq War) (1980–1988) which left it hampered in the face of the invasion.
The last Shah of Iran
ordered four modern destroyer
s from the United States, an order that was cancelled after the Shah fell. The ships were instead commissioned in the U.S. Navy
as the Kidd class
.
In the 1990s, the Navy added patrol boats, submarines, and surface-launched anti-ship missiles, and replaced Western ships with domestically built vessels in addition to ships from China
, North Korea
, and Russia
. During that time, it also engaged in naval exercises with Pakistan
and India
.
In terms of major surface ships, Iran's three destroyers are over 50 years old and are kept in material reserve at Bushehr
. The Iranian Navy does not include capital ships; their largest ships are five frigates and three corvettes, all of which are armed with modern anti-ship missiles. The main focus of the Iranian Navy seems to be developing new frigate
s, corvette
s and medium to large fast boats capable of carrying modern precision anti-ship missiles. Three of five frigates (Vosper Mark 5
), however, were commissioned over 25 years ago and these ships have been updated with Chinese C-802 missiles. Iran's three corvettes were commissioned over 30 years ago; one (the Hamzeh) was originally a government yacht but has now been equipped with Chinese C-802 missiles as well, but it is deployed at Anzali on the Caspian Sea. These eight ships are supported by three Russian SSK Kilo attack submarines and Ghadir
and Nahang class
mini submarines. The Russia
n built Kilo submarines are considered among the quietest diesel submarines in the world.
_1977.jpg)
American aircraft were introduced to the inventory, in the 1960s and 1970s: with Europe
an made aircraft comprising the more modern part of the fleet.
! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Aircraft
! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Origin
! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Type
! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Variants
! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|In service
! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Notes
|-----
| Aero Commander
|| || utility transport aircraft
|| 690 || 4 ||
|-----
| Shrike Commander
|| || utility transport aircraft
|| 500S || 4 ||
|-----
| Agusta Bell AB 205 || || light-lift utility helicopter
|| AB 205 || 2 || built by Agusta
|-----
| Agusta Bell AB 206A
|| || utility helicopter
|| AB 206A || 20 || built by Agusta
|-----
| Agusta Bell AB 212
|| || anti-submarine warfare
/light-lift transport helicopter
utility helicopter
|| AB 212ASW || 10 || built by Agusta
|-----
| Dassault Falcon 20
|| || VIP transport
|| Falcon 20 || 2 ||
|-----
| Fokker F27 Friendship || || tactical transport || F27-400M
F27-600 || 2
2 ||
|-----
| Sikorsky SH-3D Sea King || || anti-submarine warfare
/medium-lift utility helicopter
|| SH-3D || 15 ||
|-----
| Sikorsky RH-53D Sea Stallion || || minesweeper
/heavy-lift transport helicopter
|| RH-53D || 6 || 2 remained in use
|-----
| Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company
Saeqeh ||
Iran || jet fighter || || 2 http://www.presstv.com/detail.aspx?id=108350§ionid=351020101 || Enter service 2007
|-----
, Tehran has been acquiring new weapons from Russia, China and North Korea. Iran has expanded the capabilities of the naval branch of the IRGC, acquired additional mine warfare capability, and upgraded some of its older surface ships. Iran's exercises have included a growing number of joint and combined arms exercises with the land forces and air force. Iran has also improved its ports and strengthened its air defences, while obtaining some logistic and technical support from states like India and Pakistan.
As far as major new equipment is concerned, Iran has been building up its naval strength by acquiring six Kilo class submarines from Russia, as well as other equipment, including 10 Houdong fast attack craft from China
. Russia
and India
were reported to be assisting Iran with training and operating its Kilo class submarines. As regards other requirements, in December 1997, Rear Admiral Mohammad Karim Tavakoli, commander of the First Naval Zone, with HQ at the Persian Gulf
port of Bandar Abbas
, claimed that the Iranian Navy had completed design work on three multirole corvettes and a small submarine, to be built in Iran.
In August 2000, Iran announced that it had launched its first domestically produced light submarine or swimmer delivery vehicle, named the Al-Sabiha 15 because of its 15 meters length, in an official ceremony at the Bandar Abbas
naval base. In May 2005, Iran navy announced that it had launched its Ghadir class (midget class submarine
) and in 8 March 2006 announced that it had launched another submarine named nahang class (Persian: whale).
During 2000 Iranian Naval Aviation significantly improved its capability by taking delivery from Russia, of a number of Mi-8 AMT (Mi-171)
transport/attack helicopters. Under a contract signed in 1999, Russia agreed to supply 21 Mi-171
s to Iran. Delivery was completed in 2001; although the exact number destined for the navy was unknown. In summer 2001, there were indications that Iran would order a further 20 Mi-171
s, although as of mid-2004, it was not known if this had occurred.
In November 2002 sources at both Iran's Aerospace Industries Organisation (AIO) and the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (COSIC) confirmed that the two groups were working on common Anti-Ship missile production and development. The effort, which Iranian sources call Project Noor, covers the short-range C-701 and the long-range C-802 weapons developed by COSIC's China National Precision Machinery Import and Export Co subsidiary. The possibility that a formal collaborative project was under way was first raised in 1998, when Iran displayed an Anti-Ship missile design similar to the 15 km range C-701
shortly after the Chinese system was unveiled.
An AIO spokesperson confirmed that Project Noor involves the C-701. However, officials in the same company describe the weapon as "a long-range, turbojet-powered, sea-skimming Anti-Ship missile," which better fits the 120 km range C-802
, and suggests that the co-operation agreement may cover both weapon systems. In early 2004, Iran announced the release of a new cruise missile programme named Raad (Thunder). The Raad appears to be a modification of the Chinese HY-2 (CSSC-3)
Anti-Ship missile, one of a series of missiles China developed from the original Soviet-era P21 (SS-N-2C)
design.
On September 29, 2003 Iran's domestically produced Sina class (reverse engineered Kaman class) missile boat Paykan
, equipped with modern anti-ship missiles and modern electronics entered service in the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy. The ship was launched in the Caspian sea to protect Iran's interests there and was mentioned among the achievements of the Iranian Navy by Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari.
On September 22, 2006 Iran announced to have commissioned their second self-made Kaman class missile boat, Joshan. Built in memory of the original Joshan, lost in the Persian Gulf during Operation Praying Mantis
on April 18, 1988. According to Iran's Navy commander Admiral Kouchaki, Joshan has a claimed speed of over 45 sea knots[3] and "enjoys the world's latest technology, specially with regard to its military, electrical and electronic systems, frame and chassis, and it has the capabilities required for launching powerful missiles."
In 2002 Iran announced it would start the production of its first domestically produced destroyer (However the fact that Iran calls all its frigates destroyers and that the size and weight of the ship is more in keeping with that of a modern frigate indicate it is a frigate. It is also referred to as a corvette sometimes because it is light for a frigate.), Moudge (aka Jamaran), later known as Moudge I which appears to be a development of the Alvand (Saam) Class.
The frigate was completed and entered service in 2006, bringing Irans frigate arsenal from 3 to 4. On February 23, 2007 Iran announced the production of the second ship in this class, Moudge II. This ship is under construction at the port of Bandar Abbas and when completed should have the capability to: carry helicopter
s, anti-ship missile
s, surface-to-air missile
s, torpedo
es, modern guns and air defence guns. The ship will also be equipped with electronic warfare devices.
24 November 2007 Iran's rear admiral Habibollah Sayyari announced that Iran would launch its first domestically produced destroyer
, Jamaran
and an Iranian Ghadir class submarine
. It is said to be a sonar evading stealth submarine.
In March 2006, the navy deployed a submarine named Narhang (Whale) but the pictures broadcast by state media at the time showed it was a minisub.
22 February 2008 the Iranian Defense Ministry announced that 74 domestically produced "gunboats" (small missile boats) had entered service with the Iranian Navy. picture The Navy has had reported to have the Hoot
supercavitating torpedo and the Thaqeb (missile)
in trials or service, though reliable information is scarce.
to the new headquarters at Bandar-e Abbas. Bushehr
was the other main base; smaller facilities were located at Khorramshahr, Khark Island, and Bandar-e Khomeini (formerly known as Bandar-e Shahpur). Bandar-e Anzali
(formerly known as Bandar-e Pahlavi) was the major training base and home of the small Caspian Sea
fleet, which consisted of a few patrol boats and a minesweeper. The naval base at Bandar Beheshti (formerly known as Chah Bahar) on the Gulf of Oman
had been under construction since the late 1970s and in late 1987 still was not completed. Smaller facilities were located near the Strait of Hormuz. http://www.csis.org/media/csis/pubs/060728_gulf_iran.pdf Iran also announced that new base is established on Oman Sea.http://www.presstv.com/Detail.aspx?id=73783§ionid=351020101
Sources include iinav.org.
Iran
Iran , officially the Islamic Republic of Iran , is a country in Southern and Western Asia. The name "Iran" has been in use natively since the Sassanian era and came into use internationally in 1935, before which the country was known to the Western world as Persia...
ian Navy
Navy
A navy is the branch of a nation's armed forces principally designated for naval and amphibious warfare; namely, lake- or ocean-borne combat operations and related functions...
has traditionally been the smallest branch of Iran's armed forces and is designed mainly for securing its own ports and coast.
Overview
The Iranian navy was rebuilt after being almost completely destroyed during the Anglo-Soviet invasion of IranAnglo-Soviet invasion of Iran
The Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran was the Allied invasion of the Imperial State of Iran during World War II, by British, Commonwealth, and Soviet armed forces. The invasion from August 25 to September 17, 1941, was codenamed Operation Countenance...
in World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. Following World War II, the fleet began replacing destroyed warships with destroyers, frigates and many smaller vessels, including powerboat
Powerboat
A powerboat is another name for a motorboat. Powerboat may also refer to:* Powerboating* F1 Powerboat World Championship* Offshore powerboat racing...
s and hovercraft
Hovercraft
A hovercraft is a craft capable of traveling over surfaces while supported by a cushion of slow moving, high-pressure air which is ejected against the surface below and contained within a "skirt." Although supported by air, a hovercraft is not considered an aircraft.Hovercraft are used throughout...
, many of which originated from the U.S. and UK, which had played a part in destroying much of the original equipment in World War II. In the 1970s, Iran planned to extend its naval reach into the Indian Ocean
Indian Ocean
The Indian Ocean is the third largest of the world's oceanic divisions, covering approximately 20% of the water on the Earth's surface. It is bounded on the north by the Indian Subcontinent and Arabian Peninsula ; on the west by eastern Africa; on the east by Indochina, the Sunda Islands, and...
; but this goal was curtailed by the Islamic Revolution (1979), and the ensuing western-backed first Gulf War (Iran–Iraq War) (1980–1988) which left it hampered in the face of the invasion.
The last Shah of Iran
Pahlavi dynasty
The Pahlavi dynasty consisted of two Iranian/Persian monarchs, father and son Reza Shah Pahlavi and Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi The Pahlavi dynasty consisted of two Iranian/Persian monarchs, father and son Reza Shah Pahlavi (reg. 1925–1941) and Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi The Pahlavi dynasty ...
ordered four modern destroyer
Destroyer
In naval terminology, a destroyer is a fast and maneuverable yet long-endurance warship intended to escort larger vessels in a fleet, convoy or battle group and defend them against smaller, powerful, short-range attackers. Destroyers, originally called torpedo-boat destroyers in 1892, evolved from...
s from the United States, an order that was cancelled after the Shah fell. The ships were instead commissioned in the U.S. Navy
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
as the Kidd class
Kidd class destroyer
The Kidd class guided missile destroyers were a series of four warships based upon the hull of the Spruance class destroyers. These ships were originally ordered by the Shah of Iran for service in the Persian Gulf in an air defense role...
.
In the 1990s, the Navy added patrol boats, submarines, and surface-launched anti-ship missiles, and replaced Western ships with domestically built vessels in addition to ships from China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
, North Korea
North Korea
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea , , is a country in East Asia, occupying the northern half of the Korean Peninsula. Its capital and largest city is Pyongyang. The Korean Demilitarized Zone serves as the buffer zone between North Korea and South Korea...
, and Russia
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
. During that time, it also engaged in naval exercises with Pakistan
Pakistan
Pakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...
and India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
.
In terms of major surface ships, Iran's three destroyers are over 50 years old and are kept in material reserve at Bushehr
Bushehr
Bushehr Bushehr lies in a vast plain running along the coastal region on the Persian Gulf coast of southwestern Iran. It is the chief seaport of the country and the administrative centre of its province. Its location is about south of Tehran. The local climate is hot and humid.The city...
. The Iranian Navy does not include capital ships; their largest ships are five frigates and three corvettes, all of which are armed with modern anti-ship missiles. The main focus of the Iranian Navy seems to be developing new frigate
Frigate
A frigate is any of several types of warship, the term having been used for ships of various sizes and roles over the last few centuries.In the 17th century, the term was used for any warship built for speed and maneuverability, the description often used being "frigate-built"...
s, corvette
Corvette
A corvette is a small, maneuverable, lightly armed warship, originally smaller than a frigate and larger than a coastal patrol craft or fast attack craft , although many recent designs resemble frigates in size and role...
s and medium to large fast boats capable of carrying modern precision anti-ship missiles. Three of five frigates (Vosper Mark 5
Alvand class frigate
The Alvand class comprise four Iranian light patrol frigates. Only three are currently in service....
), however, were commissioned over 25 years ago and these ships have been updated with Chinese C-802 missiles. Iran's three corvettes were commissioned over 30 years ago; one (the Hamzeh) was originally a government yacht but has now been equipped with Chinese C-802 missiles as well, but it is deployed at Anzali on the Caspian Sea. These eight ships are supported by three Russian SSK Kilo attack submarines and Ghadir
Ghadir class submarine
Ghadir is a class of midget submarines built by Iran specifically for cruising within the shallow waters of the Persian Gulf. It is named after Ghadir Khumm, a holy place to Shia Muslims....
and Nahang class
Nahang class submarine
-History:Being one of Iran's largest defense expenditures, the Nahang submarine is Iran's second attempt at designing and manufacturing submarines. According to Iranian news footage from the IRINN, the Nahang 1 has at least been in service since March 2006 and is reportedly fully compatible to the...
mini submarines. The Russia
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
n built Kilo submarines are considered among the quietest diesel submarines in the world.
History
- The Iranian Navy was nearly destroyed during a surprise attack by Britain and the Soviet Union in World War II, which began the Anglo-Soviet invasion of IranAnglo-Soviet invasion of IranThe Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran was the Allied invasion of the Imperial State of Iran during World War II, by British, Commonwealth, and Soviet armed forces. The invasion from August 25 to September 17, 1941, was codenamed Operation Countenance...
. Numerous Iranian ships were sunk or damaged while still moored at their home ports.
- The Iranian Navy regained control of the Tunb and Abu Musa islands on 30 November 1971, following the British withdrawal from these islands.
Islamic Republic of Iran Navy Aviation
Iran's naval aviation branch is one of the few air elements in any Persian Gulf Navy, and has both fixed-wing aircraft and armed helicopters.American aircraft were introduced to the inventory, in the 1960s and 1970s: with Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
an made aircraft comprising the more modern part of the fleet.
! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Aircraft
! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Origin
! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Type
! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Variants
! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|In service
! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Notes
|-----
| Aero Commander
Aero Commander (aircraft)
The Aero Commander 500 is the first in a series of light-twin piston-engined aircraft originally built by the Aero Design and Engineering Company in the late 1940s. In 1950 it became the Aero Commander company, and a division of Rockwell International from 1965. The initial production version was...
|| || utility transport aircraft
Military transport aircraft
Military transport aircraft are typically fixed and rotary wing cargo aircraft which are used to deliver troops, weapons and other military equipment by a variety of methods to any area of military operations around the surface of the planet, usually outside of the commercial flight routes in...
|| 690 || 4 ||
|-----
| Shrike Commander
Aero Commander (aircraft)
The Aero Commander 500 is the first in a series of light-twin piston-engined aircraft originally built by the Aero Design and Engineering Company in the late 1940s. In 1950 it became the Aero Commander company, and a division of Rockwell International from 1965. The initial production version was...
|| || utility transport aircraft
Military transport aircraft
Military transport aircraft are typically fixed and rotary wing cargo aircraft which are used to deliver troops, weapons and other military equipment by a variety of methods to any area of military operations around the surface of the planet, usually outside of the commercial flight routes in...
|| 500S || 4 ||
|-----
| Agusta Bell AB 205 || || light-lift utility helicopter
Utility helicopter
A Utility Helicopter is a multi-purpose helicopter. A utility military helicopter can fill roles such as ground attack, air assault, cargo, surveillance and troop transport. Their size is generally between cargo helicopters and light observation helicopters....
|| AB 205 || 2 || built by Agusta
|-----
| Agusta Bell AB 206A
Bell 206
The Bell 206 is a family of two-bladed, single- or twin-engine helicopters, manufactured by Bell Helicopter at its Mirabel, Quebec plant. Originally developed as the Bell YOH-4 for the United States Army's Light Observation Helicopter program, the 206 failed to be selected...
|| || utility helicopter
Utility helicopter
A Utility Helicopter is a multi-purpose helicopter. A utility military helicopter can fill roles such as ground attack, air assault, cargo, surveillance and troop transport. Their size is generally between cargo helicopters and light observation helicopters....
|| AB 206A || 20 || built by Agusta
|-----
| Agusta Bell AB 212
UH-1N Twin Huey
The Bell UH-1N Twin Huey is a medium military helicopter that first flew in April, 1969. The UH-1N has a fifteen seat configuration, with one pilot and fourteen passengers. In cargo configuration the UH-1N has an internal capacity of 220 ft³ . An external load of 5,000 lb can be carried...
|| || anti-submarine warfare
Anti-submarine warfare
Anti-submarine warfare is a branch of naval warfare that uses surface warships, aircraft, or other submarines to find, track and deter, damage or destroy enemy submarines....
/light-lift transport helicopter
Military transport aircraft
Military transport aircraft are typically fixed and rotary wing cargo aircraft which are used to deliver troops, weapons and other military equipment by a variety of methods to any area of military operations around the surface of the planet, usually outside of the commercial flight routes in...
utility helicopter
Utility helicopter
A Utility Helicopter is a multi-purpose helicopter. A utility military helicopter can fill roles such as ground attack, air assault, cargo, surveillance and troop transport. Their size is generally between cargo helicopters and light observation helicopters....
|| AB 212ASW || 10 || built by Agusta
|-----
| Dassault Falcon 20
Dassault Falcon 20
The Dassault Falcon 20 is a French business jet and was the first of a family of business jets built by Dassault Aviation.-Design and development:...
|| || VIP transport
Transport
Transport or transportation is the movement of people, cattle, animals and goods from one location to another. Modes of transport include air, rail, road, water, cable, pipeline, and space. The field can be divided into infrastructure, vehicles, and operations...
|| Falcon 20 || 2 ||
|-----
| Fokker F27 Friendship || || tactical transport || F27-400M
F27-600 || 2
2 ||
|-----
| Sikorsky SH-3D Sea King || || anti-submarine warfare
Anti-submarine warfare
Anti-submarine warfare is a branch of naval warfare that uses surface warships, aircraft, or other submarines to find, track and deter, damage or destroy enemy submarines....
/medium-lift utility helicopter
Utility helicopter
A Utility Helicopter is a multi-purpose helicopter. A utility military helicopter can fill roles such as ground attack, air assault, cargo, surveillance and troop transport. Their size is generally between cargo helicopters and light observation helicopters....
|| SH-3D || 15 ||
|-----
| Sikorsky RH-53D Sea Stallion || || minesweeper
Minesweeper (ship)
A minesweeper is a small naval warship designed to counter the threat posed by naval mines. Minesweepers generally detect then neutralize mines in advance of other naval operations.-History:...
/heavy-lift transport helicopter
Military transport aircraft
Military transport aircraft are typically fixed and rotary wing cargo aircraft which are used to deliver troops, weapons and other military equipment by a variety of methods to any area of military operations around the surface of the planet, usually outside of the commercial flight routes in...
|| RH-53D || 6 || 2 remained in use
|-----
| Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company
Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company
Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company was established in 1976 and belongs to the Iran Aviation Industries Organization . The company is located at Shahinshahr, Isfahan...
Saeqeh ||
Iran || jet fighter || || 2 http://www.presstv.com/detail.aspx?id=108350§ionid=351020101 || Enter service 2007|-----
Procurement of naval equipment
Suffering from decaying Western-supplied weapons purchased by the ShahPahlavi dynasty
The Pahlavi dynasty consisted of two Iranian/Persian monarchs, father and son Reza Shah Pahlavi and Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi The Pahlavi dynasty consisted of two Iranian/Persian monarchs, father and son Reza Shah Pahlavi (reg. 1925–1941) and Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi The Pahlavi dynasty ...
, Tehran has been acquiring new weapons from Russia, China and North Korea. Iran has expanded the capabilities of the naval branch of the IRGC, acquired additional mine warfare capability, and upgraded some of its older surface ships. Iran's exercises have included a growing number of joint and combined arms exercises with the land forces and air force. Iran has also improved its ports and strengthened its air defences, while obtaining some logistic and technical support from states like India and Pakistan.
As far as major new equipment is concerned, Iran has been building up its naval strength by acquiring six Kilo class submarines from Russia, as well as other equipment, including 10 Houdong fast attack craft from China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
. Russia
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
and India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
were reported to be assisting Iran with training and operating its Kilo class submarines. As regards other requirements, in December 1997, Rear Admiral Mohammad Karim Tavakoli, commander of the First Naval Zone, with HQ at the Persian Gulf
Persian Gulf
The Persian Gulf, in Southwest Asia, is an extension of the Indian Ocean located between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula.The Persian Gulf was the focus of the 1980–1988 Iran-Iraq War, in which each side attacked the other's oil tankers...
port of Bandar Abbas
Bandar Abbas
Bandar-Abbas or Bandar-e ‘Abbās , also Romanized as Bandar ‘Abbās, Bandar ‘Abbāsī, and Bandar-e ‘Abbās; formerly known as Cambarão and Port Comorão to Portuguese traders, as Gombroon to English traders and as Gamrun or Gumrun to Dutch merchants) is a port city and capital of Hormozgān Province on...
, claimed that the Iranian Navy had completed design work on three multirole corvettes and a small submarine, to be built in Iran.
Bandar Abbas
Bandar-Abbas or Bandar-e ‘Abbās , also Romanized as Bandar ‘Abbās, Bandar ‘Abbāsī, and Bandar-e ‘Abbās; formerly known as Cambarão and Port Comorão to Portuguese traders, as Gombroon to English traders and as Gamrun or Gumrun to Dutch merchants) is a port city and capital of Hormozgān Province on...
naval base. In May 2005, Iran navy announced that it had launched its Ghadir class (midget class submarine
Midget submarine
A midget submarine is any submarine under 150 tons, typically operated by a crew of one or two but sometimes up to 6 or 8, with little or no on-board living accommodation...
) and in 8 March 2006 announced that it had launched another submarine named nahang class (Persian: whale).
During 2000 Iranian Naval Aviation significantly improved its capability by taking delivery from Russia, of a number of Mi-8 AMT (Mi-171)
Mil Mi-8
The Mil Mi-8 is a medium twin-turbine transport helicopter that can also act as a gunship. The Mi-8 is the world's most-produced helicopter, and is used by over 50 countries. Russia is the largest operator of the Mi-8/Mi-17 helicopter....
transport/attack helicopters. Under a contract signed in 1999, Russia agreed to supply 21 Mi-171
Mil Mi-8
The Mil Mi-8 is a medium twin-turbine transport helicopter that can also act as a gunship. The Mi-8 is the world's most-produced helicopter, and is used by over 50 countries. Russia is the largest operator of the Mi-8/Mi-17 helicopter....
s to Iran. Delivery was completed in 2001; although the exact number destined for the navy was unknown. In summer 2001, there were indications that Iran would order a further 20 Mi-171
Mil Mi-8
The Mil Mi-8 is a medium twin-turbine transport helicopter that can also act as a gunship. The Mi-8 is the world's most-produced helicopter, and is used by over 50 countries. Russia is the largest operator of the Mi-8/Mi-17 helicopter....
s, although as of mid-2004, it was not known if this had occurred.
In November 2002 sources at both Iran's Aerospace Industries Organisation (AIO) and the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (COSIC) confirmed that the two groups were working on common Anti-Ship missile production and development. The effort, which Iranian sources call Project Noor, covers the short-range C-701 and the long-range C-802 weapons developed by COSIC's China National Precision Machinery Import and Export Co subsidiary. The possibility that a formal collaborative project was under way was first raised in 1998, when Iran displayed an Anti-Ship missile design similar to the 15 km range C-701
C-701
The C-701 is a Chinese missile that is roughly comparable to the American AGM-65 A/B/D/H Maverick air-to-surface missile. However, the C-701 is smaller and has less than half the weight of the AGM-65 A/B/D/H Maverick.-Design:...
shortly after the Chinese system was unveiled.
An AIO spokesperson confirmed that Project Noor involves the C-701. However, officials in the same company describe the weapon as "a long-range, turbojet-powered, sea-skimming Anti-Ship missile," which better fits the 120 km range C-802
C-802
The Yingji-82 or YJ-82 is a Chinese anti-ship missile first unveiled in 1989 by the China Haiying Electro-Mechanical Technology Academy , also known as the Third Academy...
, and suggests that the co-operation agreement may cover both weapon systems. In early 2004, Iran announced the release of a new cruise missile programme named Raad (Thunder). The Raad appears to be a modification of the Chinese HY-2 (CSSC-3)
Silkworm missile
The Shang Yo or SY-series , and the Hai Ying or HY-series were early Chinese anti-ship missiles. They were derived from the Soviet P-15 Termit missile.The HY-1 and HY-2 received the NATO reporting name Silkworm...
Anti-Ship missile, one of a series of missiles China developed from the original Soviet-era P21 (SS-N-2C)
P-15 Termit
The P-15 Termit is an anti-ship missile developed by the Soviet Union's Raduga design bureau in the 1950s. Its GRAU designation was 4K40, its NATO reporting name was Styx or SS-N-2. In Russian service today it also seems to be called the Rubezh...
design.
On September 29, 2003 Iran's domestically produced Sina class (reverse engineered Kaman class) missile boat Paykan
Iranian missile boat Paykan
For the Automobile see Paykan.For the Iranian football club based in Tehran, see Paykan Tehran F.C.The Iranian missile boat Paykan is an Iranian-made Sina class missile boat...
, equipped with modern anti-ship missiles and modern electronics entered service in the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy. The ship was launched in the Caspian sea to protect Iran's interests there and was mentioned among the achievements of the Iranian Navy by Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari.
On September 22, 2006 Iran announced to have commissioned their second self-made Kaman class missile boat, Joshan. Built in memory of the original Joshan, lost in the Persian Gulf during Operation Praying Mantis
Operation Praying Mantis
Operation Praying Mantis was an attack on April 18, 1988, by U.S. naval forces within Iranian territorial waters in retaliation for the Iranian mining of the Persian Gulf during the Iran Iraq war and the subsequent damage to an American warship....
on April 18, 1988. According to Iran's Navy commander Admiral Kouchaki, Joshan has a claimed speed of over 45 sea knots[3] and "enjoys the world's latest technology, specially with regard to its military, electrical and electronic systems, frame and chassis, and it has the capabilities required for launching powerful missiles."
In 2002 Iran announced it would start the production of its first domestically produced destroyer (However the fact that Iran calls all its frigates destroyers and that the size and weight of the ship is more in keeping with that of a modern frigate indicate it is a frigate. It is also referred to as a corvette sometimes because it is light for a frigate.), Moudge (aka Jamaran), later known as Moudge I which appears to be a development of the Alvand (Saam) Class.
The frigate was completed and entered service in 2006, bringing Irans frigate arsenal from 3 to 4. On February 23, 2007 Iran announced the production of the second ship in this class, Moudge II. This ship is under construction at the port of Bandar Abbas and when completed should have the capability to: carry helicopter
Helicopter
A helicopter is a type of rotorcraft in which lift and thrust are supplied by one or more engine-driven rotors. This allows the helicopter to take off and land vertically, to hover, and to fly forwards, backwards, and laterally...
s, anti-ship missile
Anti-ship missile
Anti-ship missiles are guided missiles that are designed for use against ships and large boats. Most anti-ship missiles are of the sea-skimming type, many use a combination of inertial guidance and radar homing...
s, surface-to-air missile
Surface-to-air missile
A surface-to-air missile or ground-to-air missile is a missile designed to be launched from the ground to destroy aircraft or other missiles...
s, torpedo
Torpedo
The modern torpedo is a self-propelled missile weapon with an explosive warhead, launched above or below the water surface, propelled underwater towards a target, and designed to detonate either on contact with it or in proximity to it.The term torpedo was originally employed for...
es, modern guns and air defence guns. The ship will also be equipped with electronic warfare devices.
24 November 2007 Iran's rear admiral Habibollah Sayyari announced that Iran would launch its first domestically produced destroyer
Destroyer
In naval terminology, a destroyer is a fast and maneuverable yet long-endurance warship intended to escort larger vessels in a fleet, convoy or battle group and defend them against smaller, powerful, short-range attackers. Destroyers, originally called torpedo-boat destroyers in 1892, evolved from...
, Jamaran
Iranian destroyer Jamaran
Jamaran is the name of a domestically produced Mowj class guided missile frigate launched in early 2010 in Bandar-e-Abbas, Iran. Iran said that the design and building of Jamaran and the missile boat were among the greatest achievements of the Iranian Navy and the ship's launch marks a major...
and an Iranian Ghadir class submarine
Ghadir class submarine
Ghadir is a class of midget submarines built by Iran specifically for cruising within the shallow waters of the Persian Gulf. It is named after Ghadir Khumm, a holy place to Shia Muslims....
. It is said to be a sonar evading stealth submarine.
In March 2006, the navy deployed a submarine named Narhang (Whale) but the pictures broadcast by state media at the time showed it was a minisub.
22 February 2008 the Iranian Defense Ministry announced that 74 domestically produced "gunboats" (small missile boats) had entered service with the Iranian Navy. picture The Navy has had reported to have the Hoot
Hoot (missile)
Hoot is an Iranian supercavitation torpedo that travels at approximately 360 km/h, several times faster than a conventional torpedo. It was test-fired successfully from a surface ship against a dummy submarine during the Iranian military exercise "Great Prophet" ) on 2 April 2006 and 3 April...
supercavitating torpedo and the Thaqeb (missile)
Thaqeb (missile)
The Thaqeb, Persian for Saturn, is an Iranian naval missile. It is capable of being fired from both underwater and the surface, after which it flies towards its target....
in trials or service, though reliable information is scarce.
Facilities
In 1977, the bulk of the fleet was shifted from KhorramshahrKhorramshahr
Khorramshahr is a city in and the capital of Khorramshahr County, Khuzestan Province, Iran. At the 2006 census, its population was 123,866, in 26,385 families.Khorramshahr is a port city located approximately north of Abadan...
to the new headquarters at Bandar-e Abbas. Bushehr
Bushehr
Bushehr Bushehr lies in a vast plain running along the coastal region on the Persian Gulf coast of southwestern Iran. It is the chief seaport of the country and the administrative centre of its province. Its location is about south of Tehran. The local climate is hot and humid.The city...
was the other main base; smaller facilities were located at Khorramshahr, Khark Island, and Bandar-e Khomeini (formerly known as Bandar-e Shahpur). Bandar-e Anzali
Bandar-e Anzali
Bandar-e Anzali , also Romanized as Bandar-e Pahlavī, Bandar Pahlavi, and Bandar Pahlevi, or simply as Pahlavī, Pahlevī, and Pehlevi; earlier, Enceli and Enzeli) is a city in and the capital of Bandar-e Anzali County, Gilan Province, Iran...
(formerly known as Bandar-e Pahlavi) was the major training base and home of the small Caspian Sea
Caspian Sea
The Caspian Sea is the largest enclosed body of water on Earth by area, variously classed as the world's largest lake or a full-fledged sea. The sea has a surface area of and a volume of...
fleet, which consisted of a few patrol boats and a minesweeper. The naval base at Bandar Beheshti (formerly known as Chah Bahar) on the Gulf of Oman
Gulf of Oman
The Gulf of Oman or Sea of Oman is a strait that connects the Arabian Sea with the Strait of Hormuz, which then runs to the Persian Gulf. It is generally included as a branch of the Persian Gulf, not as an arm of the Arabian Sea. On the north coast is Pakistan and Iran...
had been under construction since the late 1970s and in late 1987 still was not completed. Smaller facilities were located near the Strait of Hormuz. http://www.csis.org/media/csis/pubs/060728_gulf_iran.pdf Iran also announced that new base is established on Oman Sea.http://www.presstv.com/Detail.aspx?id=73783§ionid=351020101
- Abu MusaAbu MusaAbu Musa is a 12-km² island in the eastern Persian Gulf, part of a six-island archipelago near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz. The island is administered by Iran as part of the Iranian province of Hormozgan, but is also claimed by the United Arab Emirates .Abu Musa's inhabitants call it...
- small docking facility on the island's west end; located near Abu Musa Airport - Al-Farsiyah
- Bandar Beheshti (Chah Bahar) - port and base facilities in the Gulf of OmanGulf of OmanThe Gulf of Oman or Sea of Oman is a strait that connects the Arabian Sea with the Strait of Hormuz, which then runs to the Persian Gulf. It is generally included as a branch of the Persian Gulf, not as an arm of the Arabian Sea. On the north coast is Pakistan and Iran...
- Bandar-e Abbas - naval HQ and home to naval airbase
- Bandar-e AnzaliBandar-e AnzaliBandar-e Anzali , also Romanized as Bandar-e Pahlavī, Bandar Pahlavi, and Bandar Pahlevi, or simply as Pahlavī, Pahlevī, and Pehlevi; earlier, Enceli and Enzeli) is a city in and the capital of Bandar-e Anzali County, Gilan Province, Iran...
- once training base and now home to Caspian Sea Fleet (patrol boats, minesweepers) - Bandar-e Khomeini - small sheltered base located near the border with IraqIraqIraq ; officially the Republic of Iraq is a country in Western Asia spanning most of the northwestern end of the Zagros mountain range, the eastern part of the Syrian Desert and the northern part of the Arabian Desert....
- Bandar-e MahshahrMahshahrBandar-e Mahshahr is a city in and the capital of Mahshahr County, Khuzestan Province, Iran. At the 2006 census, its population was 109,927, in 24,110 families....
- small based located near Bandar-e Khomeini - BushehrBushehrBushehr Bushehr lies in a vast plain running along the coastal region on the Persian Gulf coast of southwestern Iran. It is the chief seaport of the country and the administrative centre of its province. Its location is about south of Tehran. The local climate is hot and humid.The city...
- repair and storage facility in the Persian GulfPersian GulfThe Persian Gulf, in Southwest Asia, is an extension of the Indian Ocean located between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula.The Persian Gulf was the focus of the 1980–1988 Iran-Iraq War, in which each side attacked the other's oil tankers...
; home to Navy Technical Supply Center and R&D center - Halul (an oil platform)
- JaskJaskJask is a city in and the capital of Jask County, Hormozgan Province, Iran. At the 2006 census, its population was 11,133, in 2,406 families.Jask is a port town, about south of Tehran,situated on the Gulf of Oman....
- small based located across from OmanOmanOman , officially called the Sultanate of Oman , is an Arab state in southwest Asia on the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It is bordered by the United Arab Emirates to the northwest, Saudi Arabia to the west, and Yemen to the southwest. The coast is formed by the Arabian Sea on the...
and UAE in southeastern Iran at the mouth of the Straits of Hormuz - Khark - small base on the island and located northwest of Bushehr
- KhorramshahrKhorramshahrKhorramshahr is a city in and the capital of Khorramshahr County, Khuzestan Province, Iran. At the 2006 census, its population was 123,866, in 26,385 families.Khorramshahr is a port city located approximately north of Abadan...
- former naval HQ; now repair and shipbuilding facilities - LarakLarak IslandLarak Island is an island off the coast of Iran in the Persian Gulf which has been one of Iran's major oil export point since 1987...
- small base on the island and near Bandar-e Abbas - Kharg IslandKharg IslandKharg Island is a continental island in the Persian Gulf belonging to Iran. The island is located off the coast of Iran and northwest of the Strait of Hormuz. Administered by the adjacent coastal Bushehr Province, Kharg Island provides a sea port for the export of oil and extends Iranian...
- base in the Straits of Hormuz; home to hovercraft fleet - NoshahrNoshahrNowshahr is a port city in and the capital of Nowshahr County, Mazandaran Province, Iran. At the 2006 census, its population was 40,578, in 11,550 families.-Climate and Tourism:...
- not a base, but home to Iman Khomeini University for Naval Science (naval staff college) - QeshmQeshmQeshm Qeshm Qeshm (Persian: قشم - pronounced kē´shm is an Iranian island situated in the Strait of Hormuz, and separated from the mainland by the Clarence Strait/Khuran in the Persian Gulf .-Geography:...
- small port facility near Kharg and Bandar-e Abbas - Shahid Rajaie
- SirriSirri IslandSirri Island , is an island in the Persian Gulf belonging to Iran.Sirri island is situated 76 km from Bandar-e Lengeh and 50 km east of Abu Musa island. The island is one of six in the Abu Musâ Island Group ....
- island port facility located in the Persian GulfPersian GulfThe Persian Gulf, in Southwest Asia, is an extension of the Indian Ocean located between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula.The Persian Gulf was the focus of the 1980–1988 Iran-Iraq War, in which each side attacked the other's oil tankers...
and across from UAE
Commanders of the Iranian Navy
| Commander | Photo | Term began | Term ended | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Admiral Gholamali Bayandor | November 5, 1932 | August 25, 1941, Killed in World War II when defending against Allied Forces attack From August 1941 until 1947 Iranian Navy was not operating due to severe damage by Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran The Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran was the Allied invasion of the Imperial State of Iran during World War II, by British, Commonwealth, and Soviet armed forces. The invasion from August 25 to September 17, 1941, was codenamed Operation Countenance... |
|
| 2 | Admiral Abdollah Zelli | 1947 | 1952 | |
| 3 | Admiral Gholamhossein Bayandor | 1952 | July, 1954 | |
| 4 | Admiral Habibollah Shahin | July, 1954 | 1961 | |
| 5 | Admiral Farajollah Rasai Farajollah Rasai Admiral Farajollah Rasai was was the Commander of the Imperial Iranian Navy from 1961 to 1972) and the most Senior Naval Commander of the Iranian Navy. He joined the Navy in 1929 and was trained at Naval Academy of Livorno. Under his command, the Iranian Navy regained the Abu Musa Islands and the... |
1961 | October 4, 1972 | |
| 6 | Admiral Ramzi Attaie Ramzi Attaie Abbas Ramzi Attaie was an Iranian admiral and Commander of Imperial Iranian Navy from 1972-1975.-References:*... |
October 4, 1972 | December, 1975 | |
| 7 | Admiral Kamal Habibollahi Kamal Habibollahi Vice-Admiral Kamal Habibollahi was Commander of Imperial Iranian Navy until the Islamic Revolution. He held minister posts during the military government of General Gholam Reza Azhari .... |
December, 1975 | Feb 11, 1979 | |
| 8 | Admiral Ahmad Madani Ahmad Madani Admiral Ahmad Madani , born in Kerman, Iranian politician, Commander of Iranian Navy , Governor of the Khuzestan province and candidate in the first Iranian presidential election.-Before Islamic Revolution:... |
1979 | 1979 | |
| 9 | Captain Bahram Afzali Bahram Afzali Captain Bahram Afzali was Commander of Iranian Navy from 1980-1983. He was executed on charges of being a Tudeh Party member.... |
1980 | 1983 | |
| 10 | Captain Esfandiar Hosseini | ? | ? | |
| 11 | Admiral Mohammad Hossein Malekzadegan | ? | 1989 | |
| 12 | Admiral Ali Shamkhani Ali Shamkhani Ali Shamkhani is an Iranian admiral and politician. He was the Minister of Defense from August 19, 1997 until August 24, 2005 and was replaced by Mostafa Mohammad-Najjar.He is born in 1955 in Ahvaz, Khuzestan, he earned a B.S... |
1989 | 1997 | |
| 13 | Admiral Abbas Mohtaj | 1997 | 2004 | |
| ? | Admiral Sajjad Kouchaki | 2004 | 2007 | |
| ? | Admiral Habibollah Sayyari | 2007 | Present |
Sources include iinav.org.
Navy Ranks Insignia
| Sardjuhke Seaman | MahNavi Sevom Seaman | MahNavi Dovom Petty Officer 3rd Class |
| MahNavi Yekom Petty Officer 1st Class | Navostavar Dovom Chief Petty Officer | Navostavar Yekom Senior Chief Petty Officer |
| Navban Sevom Probationery Ensign | Navban Dovvom Ensign | Navban Yekom Lieutenant Junior Grade | Nasarvan Lieutenant |
| Nakhoda Sevom Lieutenant Commander | Nakhoda Dovvom Commander | Nakhoda Yekom Captain |
| Daryadar Dovom Commodore | Daryadar Rear Admiral | Daryaban Vice Admiral | Daryasalar Admiral |
See also
- Current Iranian Navy VesselsCurrent Iranian Navy VesselsThis list reflects the state of the mainline Iranian Navy, and does not include the vessels of the Navy of the Army of the Guardians of the Islamic Revolution.-Kilo:*SSK Kilo **Displacement: 4,000 tons submerged**Dimensions: 74 x 9.9 x 6.5 meters...
- History of the Iranian NavyHistory of the Iranian NavyTraditionally, located in the shallow waters of the Persian Gulf, the Iranian navy has always been the smallest of its military forces. An Iranian navy in one form or another has existed since Achaemenid times in 500 BC; however, except for the Achaemanid navy, none of the following navies were...
- Iran's Navy Ranks Insignia
- Navy of the Army of the Guardians of the Islamic Revolution
External links
- Iran's Naval Forces - Office of Naval IntelligenceOffice of Naval IntelligenceThe Office of Naval Intelligence was established in the United States Navy in 1882. ONI was established to "seek out and report" on the advancements in other nations' navies. Its headquarters are at the National Maritime Intelligence Center in Suitland, Maryland...
(2008 Report) - Satelite view of Port Bandar Abbas
- CSIS 2004
- Iranian Military Pictures & videos
- Pre-revolution Imperial Iranian Navy
- Current equipment
- Global Security analysis of Iran's navy
- Wargames and missile testing - Video Google
- Three penned Iranian Kilo Class Submarines near Bandar Abbas
- Iran Sends 6 Warships to International Waters in 'Saber Rattling' Move
- Iran's Naval Forces (Free PressTV documentary)