Wednesday, Nov 28, 2007
TEHRAN (AFP)--Iran's navy said Wednesday it had launched a new home-produced submarine, the first in a class named "Ghadir," Tehran's latest claim of military progress at a time of mounting tensions with the West.
"This advanced submarine is equipped with the latest military and technological equipment," navy chief Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayari was quoted as saying by state media.
"It was built after 10 years of design work. Its capabilities are equal to those of foreign types." No further details were given.
State television pictures showed a submarine submerging and then resurfacing. It was not clear if the pictures were of "Ghadir", which is named after a Muslim holiday.
In March 2006, the navy deployed a submarine named Narhang (Whale) but the pictures broadcast by state media at the time showed it was a minisub.
Foreign military experts say Iran's inventory of submarines patrolling Gulf waters already includes up to three Russian-built Kilo class diesel submarines.
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
28-11-07 1438GMT
