Chinese exercise reveals new Iranian capability
The visit by a Chinese naval fleet to Iran has revealed a possible upgrade to an Iranian frigate.
The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) made a four day visit to Bandar Abbas between the 15 to 18 June, completing with a joint exercise with the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy (IRIN) in the Straits of Hormuz.
Official imagery released by Chinese and Iranian state media outlets showed the IRIN vessel, Alvand, conducting manoeuvres with PLAN ships but also gave a clear image of an apparently new antenna.
Analysis of additional imagery of the IRIS Alvand from the last 12
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Frigates and submarines anchor Brazilian naval modernisation worth US$5.52 billion]()
Frigates and submarines anchor Brazilian naval modernisation worth US$5.52 billion
Shipbuilding programmes established over the past decade are setting Brazil's course towards having one of the most modern navies in the region.
-
![Sweden swayed by speed to capability in French frigate win]()
Sweden swayed by speed to capability in French frigate win
Naval Group has secured a contract to supply four Frégate de Défense et d’Intervention frigates to the Royal Swedish Navy, extending the French naval industry’s reach into Northern Europe and showing why speed to capability has become the defining criterion in today’s defence procurement contests.
-
![SOF Week 2026: US NSW explores 3D-printed USVs for forward-deployed operations]()
SOF Week 2026: US NSW explores 3D-printed USVs for forward-deployed operations
US Naval Special Warfare Command is assessing the feasibility of rapidly producing expendable mid-sized USVs in theatre to support SOF and maritime security missions.
