Iranian Navy Frigate Iris Sahand

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The Iranian Navy’s guided missile frigate IRIS Sahand has emerged from a dramatic chapter of maritime challenges, showcasing remarkable resilience after a near-catastrophic incident in July 2024. This sophisticated vessel, a cornerstone of Iran’s naval modernization efforts, experienced a significant setback when it capsized during routine maintenance in Bandar Abbas, only to be successfully restored and recommissioned in November 2025.

The Unexpected Maritime Crisis

On July 7, 2024, the IRIS Sahand unexpectedly turned over to its port side while undergoing repairs in its home port. The incident sent shockwaves through the Iranian Navy, with initial reports suggesting a technical failure that compromised the vessel’s stability. Social media images captured the frigate sitting at a precarious 90-degree angle, with salvage teams working frantically to prevent a complete sinking.

Technical Challenges and Restoration

The capsizing was potentially linked to recent upgrades that may have altered the frigate’s center of gravity. Experts noted that modifications, including the addition of new AESA radar systems and increased missile capabilities, could have contributed to the vessel’s instability. Key challenges during the recovery included:

• Multiple salvage attempts over 14 consecutive days
• Temporary lifting of the hull on July 9, followed by another unexpected sinking
• Final recovery achieved on July 22, 2024

Specifications of the IRIS Sahand

The Moudge-class frigate boasts impressive technical specifications:

• Length: 95 meters
• Displacement: Approximately 1,500 tons
• Crew: 140 personnel
• Maximum Speed: 30 knots
• Armament: 76mm main gun, anti-ship and surface-to-air missiles

Strategic Significance

Despite the setback, the IRIS Sahand remains a critical asset in Iran’s naval strategy. The frigate has been instrumental in long-range deployments, including a notable 133-day mission in 2021 that saw it traverse multiple seas and reach the Atlantic Ocean—a first for Iranian naval vessels.

🚢 Note: The successful recommissioning demonstrates the Iranian Navy's commitment to maintaining and upgrading its indigenous naval capabilities.

The vessel's restoration included significant upgrades, such as repositioning Sayyad-2/3 anti-aircraft guided missiles and adding new missile launchers, further enhancing its combat capabilities.

Historical Context of Naval Challenges

The IRIS Sahand’s incident is not isolated. The Iranian Navy has experienced several maritime accidents in recent years, including:

• 2018: Sister ship IRIS Damavand capsized after running aground
• 2020: Support ship Konarak suffered a friendly-fire missile incident
• 2021: Warship Kharg caught fire and sank in the Gulf of Oman

The successful restoration of the IRIS Sahand represents more than just a technical achievement—it symbolizes Iran's determination to maintain and improve its naval capabilities despite significant challenges.