Media: Iran's Russian-made “Varshavyanka” submarines — major threat to US Navy

Russian-built Kilo-class (“Varshavyanka”) submarines operated by Iran could represent the main threat to a US Navy carrier strike group in the Persian Gulf, Jack Buckby, a columnist for the US outlet 19FortyFive, said in an opinion piece. 

The author notes that the most numerous underwater platforms in Iran’s fleet are around 20 Ghadir-class mini-submarines.

Buckby argues that these submarines are optimised for littoral operations, are capable of carrying torpedoes, and can lay mines. 

“They’re effective tools, but they do have some limitations – particularly when it comes to endurance and survivability. Small diesel-electric submarines cannot remain at sea for long periods, and once detected, they are vulnerable to modern anti-submarine weapons and tactics,” he writes.

Buckby considers the most combat-capable submarines in Iran’s arsenal to be the Russian-built Kilo-class boats, which are able to operate in deeper waters beyond the shallowest areas of the Persian Gulf.

“They are exceptionally quiet – and when coupled with the fact that the subs can carry heavyweight torpedoes and lay mines, it’s clear what a valuable asset they are for Iranian maritime forces,” the analyst says.

At the same time, Buckby acknowledges that questions remain regarding the operational readiness of Iran’s Kilo-class submarines.

“A combination of the submarines’ age and the fact that Iran only has three at its disposal means that they are not always available for use – and when they are, it’s unlikely all three will be simultaneously” he notes.

By Khagan Isayev