Iran Playing A Deadly Game

TEHRAN, April 2 — Iran said Sunday that it had test-fired what it described as a sonar-evading underwater missile just two days after it announced that it had fired a new missile that could carry multiple warheads and evade radar systems.

The new missile is among the world's fastest and can outpace an enemy warship, Gen. Ali Fadavi of the country's elite Revolutionary Guards told state television.

General Fadavi said only one other country, Russia, had a missile that moved underwater as fast as the Iranian one, which he said had a speed of about 225 miles per hour. State television showed what it described as the missile being fired.

"The missile carries a very powerful warhead that enables it to operate against groups of warships and big submarines," he said.

Obviously Iran's current military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz along with the firing of this new weapon is an attempt to gain leverage in on going negotiations around its nuclear program. However, even with a 25 mile range and a navy, I'm unclear just how threatening this torpedo would be for a US submarine standing off the coast and firing cruise missiles at their nuclear facilities.

There has also been speculation about another tactic planned by Iran, that of loading up fast craft with explosives and attacking surface ships with what amounts to a large suicide bomb. It's never a good idea to minimize the military capabilities of a potential foe but I do believe we can handle pretty much anything Iran chooses to throw at us by sea.

While I'd like to say I hope it won't come to that, it wouldn't be in line with my current impressions of the matter. If Iran is bluffing and plans on caving in at some point, they are fast approaching the point where that won't be an option. Knowing precisely where they are in developing their nuclear capabilities is not exact science. AT some point we won't be able to gamble by playing diplomatic games forever.

The NY Times reports on the new torpedo here.

Comments

[COLUMBO]

I think they were mining the Strait of Hormuz in 1988 when Operation Praying Mantis eliminated their entire navy.....and accidentally shot down an airliner that happened to be flying over the area

I am not sure of the exact number of minutes this operation took, but I'd be willing to bet it could be done in even fewer minutes today

[harold]

the whole dynamic has changed since 1988 in the Strait of Hormuz. High speed torpedos and
Sunburn missles and their latest variant put the US ships in the Gulf under fire. It will, as you say, be a matter of minutes, but there will be damage on both sides. as for the point of no return here, they are not bluffing.

[COLUMBO]

I think the balance of latest variants tips in OUR favor.

[harold]

i agree with yu, Columbo, on balance. my only point was that there would be damage on both sides since the silkworm missiles of 1988 have been replaced by much more powerful missiles. only one needs to get through.

[Sgt. York]

Allegedly, Ukraine sold Iran eight SS-N-22 Sunburn anti-ship cruise missiles back in the 1990s. Ukraine denies selling these missles and there has been no credible verification or documented test firing. I'm inclined to think these allegations are disinformation and Iran does not have the Sunburn missle. I also believe the surface-to-air missle system that Russia recently sold to Iran has yet to be delivered. Of course, even if they had the system in place, these sorts of medium-height air-defence systems have yet to prove effective aginst massive air penetration.

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[Kilo]

I am not sure of the exact number of minutes this operation took, but I'd be willing to bet it could be done in even fewer minutes today

Columbo, the battle lasted 2 days back in 1988.Today it may less than that probably.

[Sirkowski]

You guys fucked up.