Iran Docks Damavand Destroyer For Test Purposes

Tehran, March 16, IRNA – Domestically-made Damavand destroyer was docked for test, Commander of the Iranian navy for research and self-sufficiency jihad Rear Admiral Ali Gholamzadeh said on Friday. He made the remarks in an exclusive interview with IRNA. ˈDamavand destroyer will become operational in the month ahead for dispatch to the international waters,ˈ Rear Admiral Gholamzadeh Iranˈs Navy has been transformed into a highly-motivated, well-equipped, and well-financed force and is effectively in control of the worldˈs oil lifeline, the Strait of Hormuz. Iranˈs naval power has even been acknowledged by foes. In a September 11, 2008 report, the Washington Institute for the Near East Policy said that in the two decades since the Iraqi-imposed war on Iran, the Islamic Republic has excelled in naval capabilities and is able to wage unique asymmetric warfare against larger naval forces. Defense analysts and military observers say that Iranˈs war-game and its advancements in weapons production have proved as a deterrent factor, especially at a time of heightened threats by the US. In November, Iranian Navy launched the main structure Sina-7 missile launching frigate. Navy also started using two new home-made Qadir-class light submarines and two hovercrafts. In September, the main structure of the Islamic Republic of Iran Sahand (IRI Sahand) missile destroyer was officially launched by the Iranian Navy in Iranˈs Southern port city of Bandar Abbas. Iranˈs first home-made destroyer, Jamaran, was launched in late February 2010. The Mowdge Class vessel has a displacement of around 14,000 tons and is equipped with modern radars and electronic warfare capabilities and is armed with a variety of anti-ship, surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles. Iranian officials have repeatedly warned the trans-regional states, specially the US, to pull their troops and warships out of the Persian Gulf, underlining the necessity for the establishment of security in the Persian Gulf through extensive and all-out cooperation among the regional states. In relevant remarks in December, a senior military aide to the Iranian Supreme Leader said that trans-regional powers are trying to confine Iranˈs power through sparking insecurity around the country. ˈThe trans-regional enemies are pursuing a certain view (on Iran) and are creating insecurities in the regions around our country in a bid to block the Islamic Republic of Iranˈs progress and emergence of a mighty Iran,ˈ senior Military Aide to the Supreme Leader of Islamic Revolution Major General Yahya Rahim Safavi said at the time. He further said that the Persian Gulf region plays a key role in Iranˈs plans for progress and prosperity, and underlined the necessity for advancement, justice and durable security in the region. Meanwhile, in recent years, Iran’s Navy has been increasing its presence in international waters to protect naval routes and provide security for Iranian merchant vessels and tankers. In addition, in line with the international efforts to combat piracy, the Iranian Navy has been conducting anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden since November 2008 to safeguard the vessels involved in maritime trade, especially the ships and oil tankers owned or leased by Iran./end