Indigenous Iranian Fateh-class submarine fires Valfajr torpedoes in exercise
The Fateh-class submarine. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Mehrnews)
The successful launch of the air-propelled torpedoes is seen as a significant step forward in Iranian submarine readiness.
The Islamic Republic of Iran Navy’s (IRIN’s) indigenous submarine, IRIS Fateh, has been observed deploying the Iranian-built Valfajr homing torpedo during the operational phase of the army's joint Zolfaqar 1403 exercise on 22 February.
The Fateh is the first indigenously developed and built submarine to serve within the IRIN. Commissioned in February 2019, it is also the country’s first semi-heavy submarine category, sitting between the light Ghadir class and the heavy Kilo-class submarines.
The launch of the Valfajr torpedoes was viewed by IRIN as a significant milestone in the submarine’s development.
Related Articles
Iran launches 'cruise missile capable' submarine
Evolving submarine capabilities enhance Iranian strategic posture
The IRIS Fateh was not the only vessel to launch the Valfajr torpedoes during the exercise. Both the Tariq and Ghadir-class vessels were also seen to launch the torpedo, which Iran said showed the operational readiness and increasing sophistication of its submarine force.
The Valfajr torpedo uses compressed air as a propellant, which gives it extended range compared to traditional torpedoes.
It has been in mass production since 2015, but the IRIN claimed that its successful deployment by a number of different submarines during the exercise was a sign that the nation’s submarine force was growing in both strength and ability.
The single-vessel Fateh-class is a diesel-electric coastal vessel and is regarded as central to Iran’s ongoing modernisation of its submarine fleet.
Commissioned in 2019, the IRIS Fateh has an estimated displacement of 600t and a length of 48m. Designed for coastal defence, it can reach submerged speeds of up to 23kt and is equipped with six torpedo tubes, which can launch torpedoes as well as anti-ship cruise missiles.
The confirmation of its launch of Valfajr torpedoes is a step forward on the Fateh’s planned development cycle. Iran has announced plans to further enhance the Fateh by integrating an air-independent propulsion system, which would significantly increase the vessel’s underwater endurance.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Coast Guard prepares acquisition process of up to seven light icebreakers]()
US Coast Guard prepares acquisition process of up to seven light icebreakers
The USCG plans to award a contract this year for the construction of Homeland Security Cutters. The new vessels will replace the 60-plus-year-old fleet of Light Icebreaking Tugs.
-
![RTX Raytheon enhances SM-3 and SM-6 production capacity]()
RTX Raytheon enhances SM-3 and SM-6 production capacity
The expansion of the Redstone facility in Alabama will enable Raytheon to increase production of Standard Missiles in the location by 50% and support Washington in refilling stockpiles after recent operations have depleted the Pentagon’s reserves.
-
![What the rise of interoperability between Western allies means for defence procurement]()
What the rise of interoperability between Western allies means for defence procurement
Major naval initiatives including the European Patrol Corvette programmes and Norway’s UK partnership-focused purchase of Type 26 frigates point to the growing interest in the advantages of commonality across allied navies.
