Article Posted on : - Nov 28, 2011

An Iranian Kilo class submarine, the Yunes. A file photo.

TEHRAN (AP): Iranian state TV says the country has added three more domestically-built submarines to its naval fleet.

The Sunday report said the vessels were delivered to the Iranian navy in southern port of Bandar Abbas. It said the submarines were from the Ghadir class, of which Iran already has four.

This class of submarine can fire missiles and torpedoes and operate in the Gulf's shallow waters.

The move is seen as part of Iran's effort to upgrade its defence capabilities amid escalating tension over its nuclear programme. The West suspects Iran is aiming at developing nuclear weapons, a charge Iran denies.