Jamaran, launched on Feb. 19, was said to measure 94 meters and weighs
14,000 tons. The vessel, with a maximum speed of 30 knots, contains advanced
radar and a helicopter pad.
Officials said the guided-missile destroyer has been equipped with
anti-ship and surface-to-air missiles as well as torpedoes and naval
artillery. They said the platform could accommodate up to 140 crew members.
Sayari said the destroyer could conduct six missions at the same time.
He cited the ship's ability to carry out underwater, surface and air strikes
simultaneously.
In an interview on Iranian television on Feb. 19, Sayari asserted that
Jamaran was not based on an existing destroyer procured by Iran. He said
Jamaran succeeded in a range of trials and could also be deployed in the
Indian Ocean.
The Iranian Navy has focused on the deployment of medium and large
vessels in the southern Gulf. The central and northern Gulf has become the
responsibility of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which deploys
fast patrol boats.
Officials said the navy plans to deploy several destroyers over the next
decade. They said the next such vessel would be completed and delivered to
the navy in 2012.
