Iran deploys local Ghadir submarines in strategic Strait of Hormuz

Admiral Shahram, commander-in-chief of Iran's navy, has unveiled the deployment of a range of small, home-made Ghadir-class submarines in the strategic waters of the Strait of Hormuz. The announcement follows extensive naval exercises that have seen a review of the capabilities of these sophisticated naval units. Ghadir submarines are among the new generation of Iranian naval weapons specifically designed to operate in the complex maritime environment of the Arabian Gulf. These units are characterized by their ability to operate in shallow waters and hide on the seabed for long periods, making them ideal for carrying out maritime ambushes in narrow shipping lanes. According to the declared technical specifications, each submarine is 29 meters long by 2.75 meters wide, and its displacement reaches 117 tons on the surface and 125 tons underwater. It is armed with two 533 mm torpedo tubes capable of firing heavy torpedoes and naval mines. as well as anti-ship missiles of different models. Ghadir submarines entered active service in 2007 after years of development, and they currently form the backbone of the Iranian submarine fleet with between 14 and 20 operational units. The total cost of producing one submarine is estimated at US $17-18 million. This deployment comes within the framework of Iran's 'asymmetric' naval warfare strategy, especially after Losses incurred by the surface fleet during recent military operations. The focus on this type of submarine reflects Tehran's desire to maintain its ability to affect navigation traffic through one of the most vital corridors in the world. Military analyses indicate that these small submarines are capable of inflicting heavy losses on larger naval forces, as evidenced by historical experiences from World War II to modern naval events. This deployment is expected to affect maritime security dynamics in the region.