Iran Starts Production of New Submarines

Reports indicate that Iran is beginning construction of a new class of domestically produced middle-sized submarines. Iran claims that they would be able to fire torpedoes and missiles, but then again, most submarines have those capabilities. It would be several years before those home grown submarines reach the Iranian navy, but for now, the Iranians have three Russian Kilo-class submarines and a couple of mini-subs that are useful to plant mines or engage in suicide operations.

Yet, there is some strangeness with the report:

State television said the submarine, named "Ghaem," was the realization of the government's huge investments in the country's defense capabilities. Iran wants to achieve self-sufficiency in the defense area and equip its armed forces with modern weapons.

The report adds that the Iranian Navy earlier received two submarines named "Ghdair."

Production of Ghdair began in 2005.

Is Ghdair the class of submarine, or did they simply name multiple ships with the same name?

Iran previously attracted attention to its sub construction program by touting its submarine technologies, but which turned out to be little more than suicide subs.

So, far there is scant information about the capabilities of these new Iranian submarines or much else. Iran has been busy trying to expand its naval capabilities, since they could conceivably attempt to block the flow of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which is a major chokepoint entering the Persian Gulf and transit point through which much of the region's oil supplies travel.