IRIN Sahand (F-74) is a new addition to the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy (IRIN) fleet. The type belongs to the seven-strong Moudge-class which currently (2018) sees three vessels completed, two in active service, and four under construction. The class is said to be of wholly local design, development, and manufacture - marking a decided change from previous decades when the IRIN was heavily reliant on foreign (primary Soviet) naval war-making goods.
The class consists of the named ships Jamaran (F-76), Damavand (F-77), Dena, and Sahand (F-74) with three yet-to-be-named ships as of this writing (2018). All are designed to a 1,650-ton standard featuring an overall length of 311.6 feet, a beam of 36.5 feet, and a draught of 10.7 feet.
IRIN Sahand was launched in 2012 and formally commissioned by way of ceremony on December 1st, 2018. It homeports out of Bandar-Abbas at Iran's southern edge (with access to the vital Persian Gulf shipping lanes of the region, namely the Strait of Hormuz).
The vessels follow modern, proven stealth design by reducing as many of the exterior protrusions as possible (slab-sides are common in today's designs). There is a turreted deck gun in the "A" position over the forecastle with a stepped hull superstructure directly aft of it. The superstructure has a continuous line running to just ahead of the stern-based helipad. The smoke funnel is of a low-profile design and integrated into the works of the superstructure. The main mast is set aft of the bridge section but relies on an older lattice-style structure (as opposed to being fully-enclosed). Various radar, communications and sensors are fitted at midships. The helicopter pad is positioned in its traditional area at the extreme rear of the warship and accepts one Bell Model 214 helicopter or similar. This aircraft can be equipped as a basic transport or for the Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) role - providing a much-needed submarine-hunting capability or critical "eyes-in-the-sky".
Aboard is a crew of about 140 personnel. With resupply support, they can remain at sea for up to 150 days.
Installed power includes 4 x Turbines outputting 10,000 horsepower to 2 x Shafts under stern. There are also 4 x Diesel-fueled generators supplying an additional 740 horsepower. Maximum speed is estimated to reach 30 knots making the vessel fast by modern frigate standards.
The warship is outfitted with ballistic (projectile) and missile weapons: the deck gun is a single 76mm Fajr-27 series autocannon. 4 x Mehrab Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs) are installed as are 4 x Noor or 8 x Qader anti-ship missiles. For close-in anti-aircraft defense, there is 1 x 40mm Fath-40 and 1 x 20mm Oerlikon AA rapid-firing guns. 2 x 324mm triple torpedo launchers can be used against both surface and undersea threats. For extreme close-in work, there are 2 x 12.7mm Heavy Machine Guns (HMGs).
On paper, the Sahand is well-armed through a broad array of weaponry and estimated performance figures are on par with contemporary Western offerings. Local state-run television made clear the warship's active capabilities include "stealthy" features and advanced survival/attack systems.
Iran
