OVERVIEW: The 942 Ghadir [IS-120] is a coastal submarine operated by the Iranian Navy. The vessel is a member of the Ghadir class, a series of domestically produced submarines designed for operations in the shallow waters of the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.

DETAILS:
The Ghadir class represents a significant effort by Iran to develop an indigenous submarine design and construction capability. The program was initiated in response to Iran's need for submarines capable of operating effectively in the confined and shallow littoral environment of the Persian Gulf, where larger, ocean-going submarines would be less effective. The design emphasizes stealth, maneuverability, and the ability to operate in shallow waters, reflecting the anticipated operational environment. The program has faced challenges, including technological limitations and reliance on imported components, but it demonstrates Iran’s ambition to achieve self-sufficiency in naval defense. The Ghadir class is believed to be derived from, or heavily influenced by, earlier Yono class midget submarines, possibly with assistance from North Korea. Construction of the class takes place within Iran, at facilities such as the Bandar Abbas Naval Base.

The primary roles of the Ghadir class are anti-surface warfare (ASuW), reconnaissance, and special operations support. Given its limited displacement, anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities are likely secondary. The class is intended to provide a credible threat to surface vessels operating in the Persian Gulf, including commercial shipping and potential adversaries. The 533mm torpedo tubes provide a significant offensive capability, enabling the submarine to engage surface targets with a variety of torpedoes, including wake-homing and wire-guided variants. The submarine’s small size and shallow draft make it difficult to detect and track in the cluttered littoral environment. The Ghadir class is also likely used for intelligence gathering and surveillance, supporting Iranian maritime domain awareness.

The 942 Ghadir is equipped with a suite of sensors optimized for its intended operational environment. The Generic Surface Search Radar provides the submarine with the capability to detect and track surface contacts at ranges suitable for target acquisition and engagement. The Generic Active/Passive Attack Sonar is crucial for detecting and classifying underwater targets, although its performance in shallow water and high ambient noise conditions is likely limited. The Generic Submarine Periscope, Optical and Generic Submarine Periscope, LLTV (Low Light Television) offer visual and enhanced night vision capabilities for surface surveillance, target identification, and navigation. These sensors, combined with the submarine’s inherent stealth, enable it to operate effectively in a challenging environment. The installation of the LLTV periscope suggests an emphasis on night operations and covert surveillance.

SPECIFICATION: Length: 29.0 m || Beam: 2.75 m || Draft: 2.0 m || Disp: 120 t

SENSORS: Generic Surface Search Radar || Generic Active/Passive Attack Sonar || Generic Submarine Periscope, Optical || Generic Submarine Periscope, LLTV

ARMAMENT: 533mm TT