Moudge-class

The Moudge-class represents a domestically produced line of Iranian light frigates, with the first vessel reported to be under construction in 2001 and entering service in 2010. While Iran officially classifies the ships as destroyers, they are internationally regarded as light frigates or corvettes. The program has seen a planned total of seven vessels, though its history has been marked by significant setbacks. Several ships have been lost or damaged due to non-combat incidents, including one vessel sinking during a storm, another sinking while in port, and a third capsizing in dry dock during its construction phase.

The Moudge-class is a multi-role surface combatant equipped for anti-surface, anti-submarine, and anti-aircraft warfare. Its armament includes anti-ship cruise missiles, navalized surface-to-air missile systems, and a primary naval gun. For close-range defense, the ships are fitted with smaller caliber cannons, a close-in weapon system, and heavy machine guns. Anti-submarine capabilities are provided by torpedo launchers. The vessels feature a helicopter landing pad and can carry an anti-submarine warfare helicopter. The sensor suite is centered around a long-range three-dimensional phased array radar for air surveillance, complemented by electronic warfare and decoy systems.

Operated by the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy, Moudge-class vessels have been deployed in both the Persian Gulf and the Caspian Sea, with ships stationed at key ports like Bandar Abbas and Bandar-e Anzali. Their operational history has been impacted by multiple losses and accidents under non-combat conditions. Following significant damage during an accident in its construction phase, one ship of the class was converted from a standard frigate into a dedicated signals intelligence (SIGINT) vessel.