Iran Submarine Capabilities

The Islamic Republic of Iran Navy (IRIN) commands a submarine force of approximately 28-30 vessels. The IRIN, along with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN), plays a crucial strategic role in Iran’s national security architecture due to the country’s dependence on the Persian Gulf for trade and security. Besides the Persian Gulf, Iran’s naval forces also operate in the Caspian Sea, the Gulf of Oman, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean.

Estimated Total Submarines in Fleet: 28-30¹

• Ballistic Missile Submarines (SSBNs): 0
• Nuclear-Powered attack submarines (SSNs): 0
• Diesel-electric attack submarines (SSKs): 4-6
• Mini Submarines (SSMs): 24
• Air-independent propulsion (AIP) enabled: 0 (in development)

The IRIN developed from the Shah’s Imperial Iranian Navy, which existed prior to the 1979 revolution and was designed to protect Iran’s maritime security and demonstrate the power and prestige of the Shah’s Iran.² Currently, Rear Admiral Shahram Irani commands the IRIN.³ Iran possesses a second naval force, the IRGCN, and although the IRIN is currently the sole operator of Iran’s submarine fleet, the IRGCN is planned to operate submarines in the future.⁴

From 1992 to 1996, Iran commissioned three Kilo-class (called Tareq-class in Iran) diesel-electric submarines built in Russia. Iran reportedly paid $600 million USD for each boat. The vessels are all currently based at Bandar Abbas in the Strait of Hormuz, where two of the submarines are operational at any time. These submarines are occasionally deployed in the eastern mouth of the Strait, the Gulf of Oman, and the Arabian Sea.⁵ Their utility in the Persian Gulf is, however, somewhat limited as Kilo-class boats require a depth of at least 164 feet and can therefore only access about one third of the Gulf.⁶ Unique water conditions in the Gulf such as water salinity and strong currents further limit the boats’ operational use unless the submarines are deployed to deeper waters in the Gulf of Oman or the Arabian Sea.⁷

In 2007, Iran began deployments of Ghadir-class and Nahang-class mini submarines for use in the shallow waters of the Persian Gulf. ⁸ Iran has also worked to design and build the medium (semi-heavy) Besat (Ghaem) and Fateh-class diesel-electric submarines to fill the gap between its heavy Kilo-class submarines and its mini-submarines; the Besat has not yet been deployed and between one and three Fateh submarines are operational.⁹

Over the years, Iran has attempted to expand and modernize its submarine fleet, but has been undermined by problems and delays.¹⁰ Starting in the 1990s, Iran launched a program to acquire or domestically produce mines and torpedoes for all its subsurface boats.¹¹ In 2005 it reportedly launched two local production lines of 533mm and 324mm wake-homing torpedoes with ranges of up to 20km.¹² Iran has also developed the capability to fire ASCMs from its submarines. In February 2019, Iran successfully test-fired a Jask ASCM from one of its Ghadir-class vessels. The Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) claims the Tareq and the Fateh submarines have the same capability.¹³

In June 2012, an Iranian official asserted that scientists were in “the initial phases of manufacturing nuclear-powered submarines.”¹⁴ In September 2017, Iran’s naval command said that the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) was beginning to produce nuclear reactors for fueling and propulsion systems,¹⁵ and the IRIN commander in April 2020 reiterated Iran’s plans to develop nuclear submarine propulsion.¹⁶ However, many analysts assert that manufacturing a nuclear reactor for submarine use is beyond Iran’s current capabilities and is simply a response to increased U.S. sanctions after the U.S. withdrawal from the JPCOA in 2018.¹⁷

Iran is also experimenting with submersibles, unmanned vessels, and other submarines. The Sabehat-15 GPS-equipped two-seat submersible swimmer delivery vehicle (SDV)—designed by the Esfahan Underwater Research Center—has undergone testing with both the IRIN and the IRGCN. Due to their limited endurance and payload, SDVs are primarily used for mining, reconnaissance, and special operations in coastal waters.¹⁸ In March 2022, the IRGC displayed unmanned underwater vehicles for reconnaissance.¹⁹ In the future, the IRGC plans to operate new generations of the Ghadir-class and Fateh-class submarines as well, historically the purview of the IRIN.²⁰

In March 2024, Iran unveiled an updated Fateh-class submarine equipped with an air-independent propulsion system (AIP) plug. The Iranian Navy stated they plan to replace the Fateh-class submarines batteries with an AIP system. The project is reportedly underway, with plans for an installation on the first submarine within a year.²¹ Experts anticipate the addition of the AIP technology will significantly extend the underwater endurance of the diesel-electric submarines, enhancing their operational capabilities.²²

Ship Biographies

Tareq-Class (Kilo-Class)

Iran’s three Tareq-class heavy diesel-electric submarines were built in Russia. These submarines are 74 meters long with a 10 meter beam and can travel up to 17 knots when submerged. They have six 533mm tubes for torpedoes and ASCMs, and they can also lay mines.²³ Iran refitted all three submarines in 2012 but has struggled to maintain them in operation since.²⁴

Besat/Qaem-Class

Iran started construction of these semi-heavy, diesel-electric vessels in 2008. According to the Iranian press, these submarines will have a displacement weight of 1300 tons, and will be equipped with torpedoes, ASCMs, and surface-to-air missiles. In April 2023, the IRIN commander stated that the first Besat-class submarine would join the fleet within one to two years. However, as of August 2025, these submarines have yet to enter service.²⁵

Fateh-Class

Iran reportedly has built three of the semi-heavy Fateh-class diesel-electric coastal submarines, one of which the IRIN officially commissioned in February 2019, and in April 2023, the IRIN commander stated that two more Fateh submarines would soon join the IRIN.²⁶ The Fateh measures 48 meters long and its estimated top speed is between 14 and 23 knots, with a displacement around 600 tons.²⁷ Like the Kilo-class, the Fateh has six 533mm tubes for torpedoes and ASCMs and can lay mines.²⁸

Nahang-Class

Iran reportedly has produced one Nahang-class mini-submarine. The diesel-electric Nahang has no torpedo tubes although it may be able to carry mines or torpedoes externally. Its primary mission is likely transporting special operations forces.²⁹

Ghadir-Class

Iran reportedly possesses twenty-three Ghadir-class mini submarines, which are capable of firing torpedoes and missiles. The diesel-electric Ghadir-class is based on the North Korean Yono-class submarine. North Korea reportedly provided at least one Yono-class submarine to Iran in 2004 and Iran subsequently built its own version, the Ghadir.

Iran indigenously built these diesel-electric propulsion submarines capable of firing torpedoes and missiles. The Ghadir-class is also referred to as a sub-class of the Yono-class, suggesting that the submarines may be based on North Korean technology. North Korea may have built the first one or two Iranian Yono-class submarines, but the exact level of North Korean involvement in design and production is unknown.³⁰

Imports

In the 1990s and 2000s, Iran relied upon submarine imports from Russia and North Korea but since the mid-2000s has increased its domestic submarine design and construction capabilities. Iran’s Shahid Darvishi Industries, a subsidiary of the Defense Ministry’s Marine Industries Organization (MIO), is the main organization involved in designing, producing, and maintaining Iranian submarines.³¹

Exports

Iran is not an exporter of submarines.