The 1,500 ton light frigate ‘Dena’ is Iran’s fourth Project Mowj built. The project has been considerably delayed since the 2000s, specially bacause of the need to replace some components due to sanctions. The ships of the project are built with some notable differences from each other, while the main armament in general remains the same. Like its predecessors, Dena carries four Noor or Ghader SAM launchers, two Mehrab antiaircraft missile launchers, two three-tube 324-mm torpedo launchers, and a 76-mm Fajr 27 artillery gun. In addition, the ship is fitted with light 23mm artillery and a 40mm Fath artillery unit.
About ‘Shahin’ minesweepers
As previously reported by Naval News, Shahin is Iran’s head of class of a new composite hull minesweepers currently under construction. It will bring new capabilities to the Iranian Navy. This is despite both the Iranian Navy and IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps) making extensive use of sea mines.
The adoption of an SES for mine warfare isn’t unique. The Royal Norwegian Navy’s Oksøy and related Alta classes use this technology. They are larger however and use plastic hulls, unlike the Shahin which is constructed out of steel.
