Iran set to unveil new submarine class

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TEHRAN, July 19 (UPI) -- A new class of submarines planned for an August launch by the Iranian military will feature advanced weapons, the Iranian defense minister said Monday.

Brig. Gen. Ahmad Vahidi, the Iranian defense minister, told reporters Monday that domestic engineers were prepared for an August launch of their latest high-tech submarine class, the semiofficial Fars News Agency reports.

"The submarine enjoys advanced technology, high power of maneuvering and underwater operations and is equipped with high-tech weapons," he said.

Iran in 2009 unveiled around 20 new military devices, including laser systems and electronic warfare devices. A 40mm anti-cruise cannon dubbed Fath was reportedly capable of reaching targets as far as 7 miles away with a firing rate of 300 rounds per minute.

Iran commissioned three new Ghadir-class submarines for its naval fleet last year, bringing the total number of the sonar-evading vessels to seven.

The Ghadir class is a smaller vessel with a displacement of around 120 tons. Fars in 2007 said the Ghadir class was equipped with stealth technology.