Iran kicks off production of locally built sub (AP)

Aug 25, 2008 (AP) report from Asharq Alawsat English Edition 25/8/08 'Iran Kicks Off Production of Locally Built Sub' -

TEHRAN, Iran, (AP) - Iranian state TV says the country has launched production of a domestically built submarine capable of firing missiles and torpedoes.

Defense Minister Gen. Mostafa Mohammad Najjar inaugurated a production line Monday for the mid-sized sub, named Ghaem. The TV quotes him as saying Iran has made huge investments to become self-sufficient and equip its armed forces with modern weapons.

The report says two other submarines, which began production in 2005, have been delivered to Iran's navy.

Iran occasionally announces production of advanced weapons but rarely makes statements about submarines. Years ago, Tehran said it bought some Russian subs and would produce its own, smaller-sized ones.

Source: http://www.aawsat.com/english/news.asp?section=1&id=13845