Class overview | |
---|---|
Builders | Marine Industries Organization |
Operators | |
Built | 1996–present |
In service | 2000–present |
General characteristics | |
Type | Swimmer delivery vehicle |
Length | 8 m (26 ft 3 in) |
Complement | 2 + 3 divers |
Al-Sabehat ( Persian: السابحات) is a swimmer delivery vehicle built and operated by Iran. [1] The SDV is approximately 8 m (26 ft 3 in) long, and carries a crew of 2 plus 3 divers. [1] It can carry out coastal reconnaissance missions, planting naval mines on ports and anchorages, as well as lifting special forces. [1] [2] According to Abhijit Singh, a senior fellow at Observer Research Foundation, the SDV "can be used effectively for unconventional attacks". [3]
Hengam class ships function as a mothership for Al-Sabehat SDVs. [1]
Al-Sabehat SDV is designed at Esfahan Underwater Research Centre. [3] Planning and construction of Al-Sabehat was reportedly started in 1996 [4] and the first vessel was unveiled on 29 August 2000. [5]