TEHRAN – The Kordestan Floating Base and the Sahand destroyer joined the Iranian Navy (Artesh) in a ceremony attended by Army Commander Brigadier General Amir Khatami and Navy Commander Rear Admiral Shahram Irani.
A number of products and systems were also unveiled at the event, including Sahand destroyers, missile-launching frigates, multi-purpose unmanned aerial vehicles, smart unmanned submarines, land-based electronic warfare, missiles and intelligence systems.
The move aims to improve the country’s maritime combat capabilities, showcase domestic technological know-how, expand its weapons program in response to threats, expand its navy’s strategic reach and ensure greater access to the high seas, among other things.
The newly announced equipment will also increase the Iranian navy’s operational capabilities and presence in remote waters.
The Iranian-built stealth destroyer Sahand was first launched in December 2018. It is equipped with a helicopter deck, torpedo tubes, anti-aircraft guns, anti-ship guns, surface-to-surface missiles, surface-to-air missiles, and electronic warfare systems.
The ship unexpectedly sank in an accident last year, causing a wave of concern in public opinion and the Navy. However, after two weeks of non-stop technical and rescue work, Army naval experts were able to bring the destroyer back to the surface.
Additionally, the Cordestan Floating Base is actually a port city that can provide critical logistics support for combat ships.
Maj. Gen. Irani said that the Kordestan floating base can meet various operational needs in areas such as logistics, medical services, communications, helicopters, submarine operations, rapid relief operations, and transportation of food, fuel, and medicines.
He also emphasized Iran’s policy of “peace and friendship,” adding that the country’s navy is “ready to assist ships belonging to friendly and neighboring countries.”
General Khatami also stressed that Iran’s military has the necessary forces to carry out the necessary suppressive response at any time to protect national interests.
“The Army and Navy has taken the path to self-sufficiency by leveraging indigenously developed expertise and equipment and has made breakthrough advances in the field of maritime weapons,” he said.
Last year, the Iranian Navy sent its 100th Fleet to the Gulf of Aden to strengthen maritime trade security in the region.
This measure is in response to the presence of pirates in the region and is aimed at ensuring the safety of both import and export routes, not only for Iran but also for the world.
In parallel with international efforts to combat piracy, the Iranian Navy has been conducting anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden since November 2008 to protect vessels involved in maritime trade, including Iranian-owned or leased ships and oil tankers.
In recent years, the Iranian navy has increased its presence on the high seas to protect shipping lanes and ensure the safety of commercial ships and tankers.
Recently, Maj. Gen. Irani highlighted Iran’s strong presence on the high seas and the country’s rapid response ability to provide assistance.
“Now we can instantly contact and exchange information with all naval security centers on the Indian Ocean Rim, and if they need assistance, we can immediately deploy (our forces) to the region,” he explained.