Iran to Launch Indigenous Submarine In August

The Iranian Navy is scheduled to launch a newly developed high-tech submarine in August 2010, according to the country's defence minister, Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi.

Vahidi said the submarine will be equipped with advanced technology, high power manoeuvring and underwater operations, and high-tech weapons, according to Fars News Agency.

Iranian military sources said the indigenous submarine would also be equipped with sonar-evading technology and could simultaneously fire missiles and torpedoes.

In June 2009, Iran launched its first indigenously built Ghadir Class submarine, Ghadir 948, which joined the Iranian Navy's first naval zone.