IRIS Alvand
From Fars News Agency:
The 12th flotilla of warships dispatched by Iran to the Gulf of Aden on an anti-piracy mission arrived in the Saudi port city of Jeddah today, Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari announced on Sunday.
Addressing the Navy personnel on the occasion of the anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution, Sayyari said the flotilla, which has been sent to the Gulf of Aden to protect Iranian cargo ships against Somali raiders, docked in the Saudi port in order to renew Iran's message of peace and friendship to the regional states. "In pursuit of a powerful (military) presence in the high seas and to consolidate our friendly ties and declare our message of peace and friendship to the regional countries, the flotilla of warships of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Navy has entered Saudi Arabia's port city of Jeddah," he said.
According to Sayyari, the Iranian flotilla includes Khark cruiser [IRIS Kharg. Kharg class replenishment ship, hull no. 431] and Alvand destroyer [IRIS Alvand, Alvand class frigate, hull no. 71].
IRIS Kharg
File photos: Majid Jamshidi and Hossein Zohrevand at FARS News Agency
The ships appear to be very well maintained. Iran needs to develop a real blue water navy and expand both the surface and underwater fleet and provide robust air cover as well.
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