Iran set to build nuclear-powered submarines: Commander

Two of Iran's domestically-built Ghadir submarines (file photo)

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2012/06/12/245876/iran-to-build-nuclearfueled-submarines/

Iran's deputy Navy commander says the Islamic Republic has taken the initial steps for manufacturing the country’s first nuclear-powered submarine.

In a Tuesday interview with Fars news agency, Rear Admiral Abbas Zamini pointed to the Iranian Navy’s plan to build super-heavy nuclear-fueled submarines, saying, “Since we possess peaceful nuclear technology, therefore we can also put on our agenda the construction of propulsion systems for nuclear submarines.”

Zamini expressed optimism that Iran's Navy will use the nuclear-powered generation of submarines in the near future, adding, “Definitely, every country has the right to use peaceful nuclear technology in the propulsion system of its vessels.”

Iran has repeatedly emphasized that as a signatory to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency, it is entitled to develop and acquire nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.

The Iranian commander noted that the construction of a 18,750-ton nuclear submarine takes 12 million man/hours and one million pieces of equipment.

Zamini reaffirmed the Iranian Navy’s determination to boost its presence in international waters and pointed out that the nuclear-propulsion systems will further assist Iran to achieve that aim.

In the recent years, Iran has made great achievements in the defense sector and gained self-sufficiency in producing essential military hardware and defense systems.

Iran has repeatedly assured other nations, especially its neighbors, that its military might poses no threat to other countries, insisting that its defense doctrine is based on deterrence.

Meanwhile, Iran's Navy has been multiplying its naval presence in the international waters since last year, deploying vessels to the Indian Ocean and dispatching two ships via the Suez Canal to the Mediterranean for the first time in February 2011