Iran building sub with missile-launching capability

Tehran Times

19 Feb. 2015

The Iranian Navy is building a new hi-tech submarine with the capability of launching missiles and torpedoes, the Fars news agency reported on Wednesday.   The submarine, named Be’sat, which is now in designing stage will be 60 meters long and has the operational power for missions in the depth of 300 meters.   Iranian military experts plan to mount six launchers for firing torpedoes and marine cruise missiles on the new submarine and equip the subsurface vessel with mine-laying capability.   The submarine will weigh over 1,300 tons.   In recent years, Iran has made great achievements in its defense sector and attained self-sufficiency in producing essential military equipment and systems.   Iranian Army Commander Major General Ataollah Salehi had announced in December that the Navy forces would launch a newly optimized submarine in the near future.   “The Navy’s new subsurface vessel will be ready and launched soon to enhance the Army’s power,” Salehi told reporters in the southern coastal province of Bushehr.   “The subsurface vessel has been optimized by the Army’s capable forces with the help of old and new achievements and equipment,” he added.