Iran has apparently launched the largest submarine in its naval fleet, satellite imagery from IHS Jane's revealed on Wednesday, in what the defense analysis firm called "a major milestone for Iran's naval industry." The "approximately 48 meter [131 foot] long and 6 meter [20 foot] wide" Fateh submarine was located by the imagery in the water at the Bostanu shipyard on the Strait of Hormuz, a major shipping route to and from some of the world's most important oil economies. Iran's fleet has become an increasingly larger presence in the international waters of the strait and the Gulf of Oman. The Defense Ministry will take another step in developing the operational capabilities of this strategic force (Navy) after this advanced submarine (Fateh) joins the Navy fleet in future, Iranian Defense Minister Brig. Gen. Hossein Dehqan said on Wednesday, ahead of Iran's Navy Day on Nov. 28, according to the semi-official Iranian Fars News Agency. According to IHS Jane's, the Fateh class submarine has surpassed the 29 meter (95 foot) Ghadir class as Iran's largest submarine. The report said the Fateh boosts the navy's capabilities because it will be able to carry more torpedoes, mines and drivers. According to the report, in April, Iranian Deputy Defense Minister for Industrial and Research Affairs Mohammed Eslami said, "The first Iranian 500-tonne submarine will be unveiled by 31 Mordad [Aug. 22]."
