Azernews.Az

By Sara Rajabova

Iran has presented a new generation destroyer Damavand , which goes at the disposal of country’s Northern fleet in March.

Damavand, which is the second-generation and highly-equipped Iranian destroyer was unveiled in a ceremony attended by Iran’s senior military officials, IRNA reported.

Damavand shows Iranian engineers and experts' high capabilities to move in the path of self-sufficiency.

The production of the Damavand destroyer started in 2010, according to Iranian media outlets. It reported possesses the ability to carry helicopters, anti-ship missiles, surface-to-air missiles, and torpedoes.

In recent years, Iran has made several major breakthroughs in its defense sector and attained self-sufficiency in producing important military equipment and systems, including a variety of domestically-manufactured drones.

The Iranian Navy launched its first domestically-built destroyer, Jamaran, in the Persian Gulf in 2010. The 1,420-ton destroyer is equipped with modern radar systems and other electronic warfare capabilities. It also features highly advanced anti-aircraft, anti-surface and anti-subsurface systems.

Meanwhile, the 37th flotilla of the Iranian Navy has set off for high seas to safeguard maritime routes used by Iranian vessels operating in international waters.

The flotilla, consisting of Sabalan combat warship and Tunb logistic warship, left Bandar Abbas port in the southern Iranian province of Hormozgan on December 1.

The Iranian Navy has overhauled Tunb logistic warship and equipped it with modern systems to embark on the mission.

In recent years, Iran’s Navy has increased its presence in international waters to protect naval routes and provide security for merchant vessels and tankers.

Since 1992, Iran has manufactured its own tanks, armored personnel carriers, missiles, radars, boats, submarines and fighter planes.

The country has so far unveiled various domestically produced drones, including Ababil, Fotros, Hazem, Karrar (long range attack drone), Mohajer, Sarir, Shahed 129, Yasir and Zohal.

Iranian officials have always stressed that the country's military and arms programs serve defensive purposes and should not be perceived as a threat to any other country.

--

Sara Rajabova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @SaraRajabova

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz