Iranian Navy Recommissioned Russian-Build Submarine

31.05.2012 Iran has finished overhaul of Russian-built Project 877EKM Paltus diesel electric submarine Tareg and recommissioned her into the national navy, reports Associated Press referring to Iranian television. Reportedly, Iran used domestically-made parts during the submarine repairs.

In total, about 18,000 various components were replaced in the course of the overhaul, including anechoic rubber coating, some powerplant elements, propeller screw, and sonar equipment. No other details have been reported. Neither is known when exactly the sub was laid up for repair.

Presently, Iranian Navy operates three Project 877EKM Paltus (NATO classifies as Kilo) submarines: Tareg, Noor, and Yunes. All of them were built by Admiralteyskie Verfi shipyard in St. Petersburg in 1991-1996 and joined Iranian Navy in 1991, 1992, and 1996 respectively.

Project 877EKM diesel electric subs are capable to head at the speed up to 19 knots and dive down to 350 meters. EKM version was designed for operation in tropic conditions. Submarines of this class are armed with six 533-mm torpedo tubes (combat load is 18 torpedoes).