The Shahid Soleimani with a helicopter on the flight deck.

Iran’s first VLS missile catamaran

The more conventional Islamic Republic of Iran Navy operates most of Iran’s larger warships and submarines and is responsible for longer range, extended-duration missions.

Eric Wertheim
December 2023
The Kumano (pictured) is second in her class but was the first to launch. The Mogami suffered propulsion problems and launched several months later.

Japan’s Multimission Mogami-class Frigates

Japan’s high-technology Mogami-class frigates seek a delicate balance that reduces cost and crew size while providing a modest solution for 21st-century requirements.

Eric Wertheim
September 2023