The Sahand frigate, one of the most modern ships in the Iranian Navy, has returned to service after accidentally sinking in 2024 at the port of Bandar Abbas.
The ship, of the Mowj class, underwent a long and complex recovery process that included several failed attempts to lift it, broken cables, and a second involuntary sinking into deeper waters.
Before the accident, the Sahand operated in the Red Sea and was suspected of supporting the Houthis in attacks against merchant ships. After its restoration, it received significant upgrades, such as the relocation of Sayyad-2/3 anti-aircraft missiles and Ghader/Ghadir anti-ship missiles to the aft, as well as the installation of additional launchers for small missiles or drones.
The recovery of the Sahand reignites the debate over the reliability of the Mowj-class frigates, as three of the seven newest ships of this design have been lost outside of combat. Other incidents involving sister units, such as the capsizing of the Talayieh in a dry dock and the sinking of the Damavand after running aground, further reinforce the poor reputation of the fleet.
Source: Militarnyi | Photo: X @SprintMediaNews | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
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