An Iranian Navy frigate, IRIS Sahand, has mysteriously capsized and sunk in its home port of Bandar Abbas. This modern warship, just 12 years old, was one of Iran’s most advanced surface combatants. Initial reports suggest the sinking may have been due to a technical failure during repairs, but speculation includes poor maintenance, an accident, or even sabotage. This incident adds to a series of mishaps plaguing the Iranian Navy, including other ship sinkings and accidents in recent years. The frigate had been upgraded with advanced radar and missile systems, raising questions about its operational capabilities and vulnerabilities.

The Iranian Navy frigate IRIS Sahand (74) capsized and sank at its home port of Bandar Abbas. The ship is 12 years old and is one of the Iranian Navy’s most sophisticated surface combatants.

As reported by Bloomberg, according to official media the Sahand joined Iran’s Navy fleet in 2018 and is armed with cruise missiles and stealth technology to escape enemy radars.

The frigate was allegedly sunk by local media on July 7, 2024. She is shown turned over to the port (left) side, her bow higher than the stern. Only the side of the ship and the sonar dome are visible above the water.

The Iranian navy is prone to serious accidents.

According to initial reports, the cause is a “technical failure” during repairs. However, we are treating it because the cause has not yet been identified. Poor maintenance or a parking accident are the most likely causes, however, sabotage cannot be ruled out at this time. Iranian frigates have been active in the Red Sea, where they are accused of helping the Houthis’ attacks on commerce ships. Sahand has occasionally been stationed there.

The Iranian Navy (IRIN: Islamic Republic of Iran Navy) has experienced several significant incidents in recent years. Among them:

• The Iranian Navy has experienced several significant incidents in recent years. Among them:
• Sahand’s sister ship, Damavand (77), capsized and sank after running aground on January 10, 2018.
• Then on June 2, 2021, Iran’s second-largest warship, the Kharg, caught fire and sank in the Gulf of Oman.
• On December 6, 2021, another sister ship, Talayieh, rolled over in Bandar Abbas’ dry dock.
• Other major mishaps include the support ship Konarak, which was damaged by a missile on May 11, 2020. The catastrophe was caused by friendly fire from an Iranian missile.

Improved Frigate with Increased Top Weight

The Sahand is one of Iran’s latest indigenous frigates, based on the British-designed Vosper Mark 5. These were supplied by Britain before the revolution and are still in service with the Iranian Navy. The subsequent Moudge class ships, including Sahand, are iterative enhancements with different weapon configurations. Sahand has unusual sloping sides that make it appear more modern and may have been designed to lessen its radar signature.

Since construction, the ship has been modified with a new AESA radar, 4-8 medium-range air-defense missiles, and twice as many anti-ship missiles. This may have increased her center of gravity.

Iran has dispatched these warships to the Red Sea, where they are accused of assisting the Houthi Movement in their attacks on commerce ships. The Houthis use a variety of Iranian-supplied or supported weapons. These include anti-ship ballistic missiles, unmanned surface vessels, anti-ship missiles, and drones. The Iranian ships were probably giving intelligence and helping with targeting.

Images of Sahand were shared on X.

“The frigate recently led a flotilla of Iranian vessels deployed to the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden amid attacks by Iran-backed Houthis on commercial ships in the region,” Iran International said, adding, “This is the third incident of an Iranian warship sinking in the past six years.” 

Here’s what X users have said about the incident:

Recently, GreatGameIndia reported that, according to Mick Mulroy, an ABC News national security and defense analyst, Iran has supplied drone submarines to Yemen’s Houthis.