Iran is estimated to have roughly 19–27 submarines in total , depending on how you count its many small “midget” and coastal boats.

Quick Scoop: Iran’s Submarine Numbers

Most defense and security trackers now describe Iran’s submarine fleet like this:

  • Total submarines: about 19–27 boats (range reflects uncertainty over how many are operational or completed).
  • Large diesel‑electric “attack” subs:
    • 3 Russian‑built Kilo (Tareq)‑class submarines.
* Around 1–2 **Fateh‑class** coastal submarines.
  • Mini / midget submarines: roughly 15–23 Ghadir‑class and 1 Nahang‑class , used in shallow coastal waters like the Persian Gulf.
  • Nuclear or ballistic missile subs: none; Iran has no nuclear‑powered or ballistic‑missile submarines in service.

One detailed naval inventory page that lists only the main navy’s large units shows 6 submarines (Kilo, Fateh, Nahang, Ghadir) as primary vessels, but that figure excludes many of the small boats often counted in broader estimates.

Why the Numbers Vary

  • Iran’s mini‑submarines are built and upgraded domestically, and not all are publicly confirmed, so open‑source counts differ.
  • Some subs may be in long‑term refit or limited service, which leads analysts to give a range (19–27) rather than a single precise number.

If you just want a headline answer for “how many submarines does Iran have?” the best current public estimate is:

Iran’s navy operates on the order of two dozen submarines, roughly 19–27 in total, including 3 large Kilo‑class boats and a large fleet of small coastal and midget subs.

Bottom note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.