Besat class submarine[1] previously known as Qaaem, Qaem, or Ghaaem is an Iranian designed class of submarines currently under construction. On 25 August 2008, Iranian defence minister Mostafa Mohammad-Najjar announced Iran had started building the first ship of the class: Qaaem. The submarine will be capable of carrying and firing various types of torpedoes and undersea missiles.[2][3] According to the Iranian Navy these submarines will weigh 1,200 tons.[4][5] Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said that they would be equipped with torpedoes and naval mines. He also said: "the smart long-range Qaa'em submarine is also capable of carrying out both defensive and offensive operations".[6]
