Lavan warship, SH3D helicopter join Iran Navy fleet

Lavan warship, SH3D helicopter join Iran Navy fleet
Sun Dec 1, 2013 08:57:06

A newly overhauled warship and combat helicopter have joined the Iranian Navy as the country takes steps towards improving its military equipment.

Rear Admiral Abbas Zamini who is in charge of the Navy's technical affairs said on Saturday that the Lavan warship is capable of “coastal bombardments as well as carrying choppers and armored personnel carriers,” Press TV reported.

He said that overhauling the combat vessel, which weighs 3,000 tons, took nearly 33 months.

Pointing to the specifics of the overhauled SH3D combat helicopter, Zamini said that the chopper, known as Sultan, has anti-submarine capabilities and can carry missiles and torpedoes.

In recent years, Iran has made great achievements in its defense sector and attained self-sufficiency in producing essential military equipment and systems.

In January 2013, Iran unveiled the combat helicopter Toufan 2 (Storm 2), which enjoys modern and advanced technologies, including high-precision targeting capability.

The then Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi said that the Toufan 2 employs Iran’s latest indigenous achievements in electronics, optics, laser and armament capabilities.

Iran has also held several military drills to enhance the defense capabilities of its armed forces and to test modern military tactics and equipment.

The Islamic Republic has repeatedly said its military might poses no threat to other countries, insisting that its defense doctrine is based on deterrence.

HH/HH

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