Fateh Class Submarine

Fateh Class Submarine

Type: submarine

Domain: sea

Country of Origin: Iran

Manufacturer: Iranian Defense Industries

First Deployed: 2019

Overview

Iran's indigenously developed diesel-electric attack submarine class designed for operations in the shallow waters of the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz where larger submarines cannot effectively operate. The Fateh class represents a significant advancement over Iran's earlier Ghadir-class midget submarines (themselves North Korean-derived designs). Displacement of approximately 600 tonnes submerged with a length of 48 metres. Armed with 4x 533mm torpedo tubes for heavyweight torpedoes and potentially submarine-launched anti-ship cruise missiles. Features an improved sonar suite, battery capacity for extended submerged endurance (though lacking Air Independent Propulsion), and modern communications equipment. The small size and shallow draft enable operations in the Persian Gulf's coastal waters where depth rarely exceeds 90 metres. Three boats operational or under construction: Fateh (commissioned 2019), Fateh-2/Nooh, and additional units. The submarines provide Iran with a credible anti-access capability in the Strait of Hormuz — the world's most critical oil chokepoint through which 21% of global petroleum passes. In wartime, Fateh-class boats could threaten commercial shipping and naval vessels operating in confined waters.

Technical Specifications

typeDiesel-Electric Submarine
classIran largest indigenous submarine
range~5,000 nm (surfaced, estimated)
builderIranian Marine Industries Organization (NDAJA)
armament4x 533mm torpedo tubes; potential mine-laying capability
propulsionDiesel-electric (no AIP)
displacement~593 tonnes (submerged)

Operators

Related sea Weapon Systems