Khaberni - The Iranian destroyer "Sahand" has rejoined and the "Kurdistan" floating base has been added to the navy after its repair operation, with the aim of enhancing the combat and naval capabilities of the Iranian army and developing armament projects, according to Iranian media.
The official English-language channel "Press TV" stated that this move aims to "enhance naval combat capability, expand the strategic reach, and strengthen access to international waters".
The channel reported that the Iranian-made stealth destroyer "Sahand" was first launched in December 2018, and it is equipped with a helicopter landing pad, torpedo launchers, anti-aircraft and anti-ship guns, surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles, electronic warfare systems, and sank last year in the shallow waters of the Gulf after being moved briefly.
According to the Tehran Times daily, it was named after the frigate "Sahand" of the Alvand class, which sank during an encounter with the US Navy in the Gulf in 1988.
The official Iranian TV reported that by order of the Commander-in-Chief of the Iranian army, the "Kurdistan" base has been attached to the naval forces.
It indicated that this step was taken with the aim of enhancing the combat and naval capabilities of the Iranian army and developing the armament projects in accordance with threats, increasing Iran's strategic depth, as well as expanding Iran's access to international waters.
The official television said that the Kurdistan floating base can provide rescue and relief services, withstand the heaviest helicopters, and support 3 destroyers on a mission around the world for 3 years without needing to dock for refueling.
The "The Maritime Executive" magazine, a US-based sector news periodical, reported in May that "Kurdistan" had been converted since 2019 from a 33-year-old crude oil tanker flying the Iranian flag into a floating base, likely including a helicopter landing pad probably for drone and helicopter operations.
Iran has developed a large domestic arms industry under restrictions on arms imports due to bans and international sanctions, and launched its first domestically made destroyer in 2010 as part of efforts to repair naval equipment largely dating back to before the Islamic Revolution in 1979.
In 2021, the Iranian navy ship "Kharg" sank after catching fire in the Gulf of Oman during a training mission, with no reports of casualties.
