Iran to send warships to western Atlantic

Iran is set to deploy warships to the Atlantic Ocean, close to U.S. waters, as the Islamic Republic seeks to extend the operating range of its navy and counter the presence of American aircraft carriers in the Gulf
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SAHAND: Mowj-class frigate touted as Iran’s most advanced warship
Commissioned Dec 2018 
Length 94.5m 
Crew 110-140
Speed 28 knots (52 km/h)
Range 9,260km at 15 knots
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Mission: Iran says it will send two to three ships to Venezuela, including Sahand and fuel ship Kharg

Atlantic Ocean
U.S.
Iran
Venezuela
Possible route
3,000km 2,000 miles
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Helipad One anti-ship or transport helicopter (no hangar)

Mast: Includes air and surface search radar

Powerplant: Four diesel engines. Ship can sustain 150-day voyage accompanied by support vessel

Superstructure: Radar signature reduced by 30 percent compared with previous frigates, according to Iran
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1 Main gun: 76mm cannon (appears to lack fire-control radar)

2 Surface-to-air missiles Probably twin launchers for Iran’s Merhad system, derived from U.S. SM-1 missile

3 Machine guns: Two 20mm GAM-BO1 cannon on upper deck

4 Anti-ship missiles Four launchers for Nour (C-802) or upgraded Ghadir version (claimed range up to 300km)

5 Minigun: Kamad multi-barrel close-in weapon system provides defence against incoming missiles

6 Torpedo tubes: Two triple launchers for lightweight torpedoes
WEAPON SYSTEMS
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Sources: Baird Maritime, Global Security, IHS Jane’s, Naval Technology, Reuters
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