April 20, 2006: Russian Experts To Assist Iranian Diesel Submarine Modernization

SEVERODVINSK. April 20 (Interfax) - Representatives of the Severodvinsk based Zvezdochka shipyard are visiting Iran as members of a Rosoboronexport delegation.

The goal of the visit is to meet with representatives of a shipyard in Bandar Abbas to discuss the schedule for overhauling a diesel submarine, a Zvezdochka official told Interfax.

Negotiations on overhauling the Iranian submarines were held in summer 2005. Severodvinsk experts will "give technical assistance in the area of repairing and modernizing submarines," the representative said.

The submarines are to be equipped with the new Club-S missiles designed to hit surface ships, submarines and land targets within a 200- kilometer radius.

(Description of Source: Moscow Interfax in English -- Nonofficial information agency known for its extensive and detailed reporting on domestic and international issues)