Iran adds 2 mini submarines to naval fleet

TEHRAN, Iran — Iran’s navy has acquired two new mini submarines designed for operations in shallow waters such as the Persian Gulf, the Iranian state TV reported on Thursday.

The report said one of the mini submarines — also known as midget submarines — was dubbed Ghadir-955 and was built in 18 months. The other, a previously built Ghadir-942, took 10 months to overhaul.

RELATED

Iran navy exercise was a message to US on sanctions, says top US commander in Mideast

An Iranian naval exercise involving at least 100 small boats in and around the Strait of Hormuz last week was meant as a message to the U.S. for re-imposing economic sanctions on Tehran, the top U.S. commander in the Middle East said Wednesday.

By Lolita C. Baldor, The Associated Press

The subs have sonar-evading technology and can launch missiles from under water, as well as fire torpedoes and drop marine mines, the TV said. Iran began manufacturing Ghadir subs in 2005. The first was unveiled in 2007 and by 2012, five such submarines were incorporated into Iran's navy.

Midget submarines weigh less than 150 metric tons and are used for short missions, with no living accommodations for a crew of up to nine.

Iranian TV broadcast footage of the inauguration of one of the submarine in the southern port of Bandar Abbas, at the mouth of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, the passageway for nearly a third of all oil traded by sea.

At the ceremony, Adm. Mojtaba Mohammadi said the sub is the 14th Iran-made vessel that joined the navy.

Iran does not disclose the total number of submarines in its fleet, however, it is believed to have some 12 light and three Russian-made submarines.

RELATED

US military to keep Persian Gulf waterway open despite Iran threats

The U.S. military is reiterating a promise to keep Persian Gulf waterways open to oil tankers as Iran renewed threats to close off the region.

Iran, which has been developing its own tanks, armored personnel carriers, missiles and fighter planes as a part of an arms development program initiative since 1992, often boasts of new achievements or acquisitions that cannot be independently verified.

The submarines' announcement is likely intended to boost Iran’s military image amid rising tensions with the United States, which in November re-imposed all sanctions lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers. The Trump administration pulled America out from the deal in May.

More In Flashpoints

Okinawa wants US base reduced 77 years after battle’s end

The governor of Okinawa is calling for further reduction of the U.S. military presence there amid growing fear of regional military tension.

North Korean leader convenes military meeting amid tensions

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is meeting with his senior military officials to discuss national defense policies.

Army vet killed fighting in Ukraine: report

At least one other American citizen has died fighting for Ukraine this year.

Men, morale, munitions: Russia’s Ukraine war faces long slog

As Russia’s initially botched and broad offensive turns its focus to the eastern Donbas region, the war has entered a new and seemingly more enduring phase.

Ukraine war videos draw a crowd at Eurosatory weapons show

A video showing the military weapons Ukraine is relying on to defend itself against a Russian invasion attracted crowds at the Eurosatory conference.

In Other News

Major veterans toxic exposure legislation delayed again, but lawmakers insist it’s not defeat

Officials are optimistic the sweeping veterans bill will be finalized by Congress sometime next month.

He liked the pro-America, pro-constitution vibe. But he liked the rage, too.

Extremist groups are shifting toward a more militia-style environment, targeting veterans for recruitment, valuing their skills and preying on their patriotism.

President Biden honors Wounded Warriors at soldier ride

President Joe Biden welcomed members of the Wounded Warrior Project to the White House for the group's annual solider ride.

Largest budget in VA history gets backing from House appropriators

Lawmakers also plan to reclassify some VA spending to make it easier to balance future budgets.

Black veteran groups seek policy agenda on racial inequities

Advocates say racial inequality in access to veterans benefits can upend the lives of Black people who proudly served their country.

House defense bill calls for US-built ships to modernize strategic sealift fleet

After neglecting strategic sealift for too long, some in Congress are trying a new approach to get the Navy and the Maritime Administration to invest in new US-made ships.

Police suspect a Navy chief killed a petty officer before turning the gun on himself

Police continue to investigate the June 5 incident.

US to send Ukraine rocket systems, other aid in new package

The aid is part of the $40 billion in security and economic assistance passed last month by Congress.

Are overseas retirees about to lose military postal privileges?

One major concern is how military retirees overseas will get their mail-order medications through Tricare Express Scripts.

Setbacks with new health records system have ‘shaken’ VA secretary

The $16 billion project has faced numerous setbacks in recent years.

Load More