Kharg loss hurts Iranian pride
IRIS Kharg sank on 2 June. (Photo: Mehr News Agency)
The loss of IRIS Kharg was the latest disaster to befall the Iranian navy but there are no plans to build or buy a replacement.
IRIS Kharg, an Islamic Republic of Iran Navy (IRIN) Ol-class fleet replenishment oiler, sank in the Gulf of Oman during a training mission on 2 June following an onboard fire.
A 20h firefighting effort was not enough to save the ship, the crew of which was transferred to shore before it sank. However, 33 people were injured.
The cause of the blaze remains unknown and Iranian officials are still investigating the incident.
Kharg was the only large fleet oiler available to the Iranian Navy, launched by UK shipyard Swan Hunter in 1977 for the pre-revolutionary regime in Iran. At
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Australia is ramping up its uncrewed surface fleet as Sea Archer lines up for key requirement]()
Australia is ramping up its uncrewed surface fleet as Sea Archer lines up for key requirement
As advances in uncrewed technology increasingly shape Australia’s maritime future, Shephard spoke with the country’s head of navy capability and a Leidos Australia executive about the operational advantages behind the shift.
-
![What does Saab’s operations shake-up mean for its new ‘Naval’ chapter?]()
What does Saab’s operations shake-up mean for its new ‘Naval’ chapter?
Saab’s merger of its Kockums and Naval Combat Systems divisions into a single business area called Naval, effective 1 April 2026, aims to enhance efficiency, innovation and competitive positioning in the naval sector.
-
![Iran and the future of amphibious operations: crewed and uncrewed solutions]()
Iran and the future of amphibious operations: crewed and uncrewed solutions
Amphibious operations are a very unique type of military operation, and global defence industries are developing new solutions to enhance capabilities and efficiency.
-
![US Navy to acquire and test uncrewed surface vessel prototypes by the end of FY2026]()
US Navy to acquire and test uncrewed surface vessel prototypes by the end of FY2026
The new autonomous surface vessels are planned to be operationally fielded in FY2027, following the completion of on-water trials.
