Swarm Tactics and Naval Mines: Iran’s Threat from the Sea

Iran’s naval forces are divided into two complementary branches: the regular Navy (IRIN), which conducts open-sea operations, and the IRGC’s naval forces (IRGC-N), which specialize in asymmetric naval warfare in the Persian Gulf. With a mix of aging frigates, swarms of small boats, and a range of submarines and naval mines, Iran poses a real threat to maritime security in the region.

#1: Alvand-Class Frigates – Old Backbone

Built in Great Britain in the early 1970s, the Alvand-class frigates (Alvand, Alborz, Sabalan) continue to serve in the fleet. They are small (approximately 1,100 tons), upgraded with C-802 Noor missiles, but lack modern air defenses. Despite their age, they are employed for patrols in the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean.

#2: Moudge-Class – Iran’s Newly Built Frigates

The Moudge-class (also known as the Jamaran-class) represents Iran’s attempt to build modern frigates. Based on the Alvand design, these ships are equipped with modern weapons and electronics. Vessels like Jamaran and Sahand carry anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, and short-range SAMs—though they lack advanced sensor capabilities.

#3: Shahid Soleimani-Class – Trimaran with Stealth Looks

The IRGC’s Shahid Soleimani-class, introduced in 2022, represents Iran’s most modern surface platform. The trimaran design provides stability and a low radar profile, while the armament includes anti-ship missiles and air defense systems—a combination of speed, stealth, and asymmetry.

#4: Kilo-Class Submarines – Deep Waters Threat

Iran’s three Kilo-class submarines remain its most powerful naval units. With torpedo tubes, long range, and a low noise profile, they can undertake prolonged missions in the Gulf of Oman. Despite their 1980s technology, they remain effective against unprepared adversaries.

#5: Fateh-Class – Homegrown Submarine

Introduced in 2019, Fateh is Iran’s first medium-sized submarine with 533mm torpedo tubes. It can operate in shallow waters and marks a step toward greater maritime self-sufficiency.

#6: Ghadir-Class Mini Submarines – Silent Ambush Weapons

The Ghadir-class, based on a North Korean design, supports Iran’s underwater swarm doctrine. With over 14 operational units, they can attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz with torpedoes and mines. They are difficult to detect and inexpensive to produce.

#7: Fast Boats – IRGC’s Stinging Swarm

Iran operates dozens of missile boats (Kaman, Houdong) and speedboats (Peykaap, Zolfaghar), which are used in swarms against larger ships. They are armed with everything from torpedoes and missiles to machine guns—capable of quick and unpredictable attacks.

#8: Naval Mines – The Hidden Threat

Iran maintains a large arsenal of contact and non-contact mines, which can be deployed by submarines and small boats. Rapid mine-laying in the Strait of Hormuz could block the world’s most important oil shipping passage—a cheap but effective threat.

#9: Amphibious Capability – Old but Useful

With about 12 landing ships and a dozen smaller vessels, Iran can conduct tactical landings and troop relocations in coastal areas. The Hengam-class can transport tanks and soldiers. These assets are primarily used for local operations rather than large-scale invasions.

#10: Makran and Auxiliary Ships – Floating Bases

Makran is a converted tanker, now serving as a base ship for drones and small boats. It allows Iran to conduct “budget-friendly” naval operations in open waters without traditional aircraft carrier capabilities.

#11: Missile Boats – Small but Potent

The Kaman and Houdong classes are Iran’s agile missile platforms. Armed with Noor and C-802 missiles, they possess surprisingly significant firepower, used for coastal deterrence and quick strikes.

#12: Special Boats and Concept Designs

Iran has showcased everything from armed jet skis to the Heydər-110—a claimed catamaran capable of 110 knots and missile armament. While many designs seem dubious, they illustrate the IRGC’s focus on surprise and asymmetry.

Asymmetric Maritime Power in Practice

Iran cannot match great power navies on the open sea but focuses on dominating narrow, coastal waters through swarms, mines, and submarines. The technology is inconsistent—featuring elements from the 1940s alongside the 2020s—but Iran’s naval forces are tailored to their geographical and strategic needs.

Our team may have used AI to assist in the creation of this content, which has been reviewed by our editors.