Electronics – Plessey AWS 1 air surveillance radar with on-mounted IFF; 2 × Contraves Seahunter systems (For use with Sea cat, Sea Killer & the 35mm mount); Decca RDL 1 passive direction finding equipment
They were refitted in the UK shortly before the 1979 Iranian Revolution.[4]
History
The ships were originally named after characters from Ferdowsi's Shahnameh. After the Islamic Revolution, they were renamed after mountains in Iran.[5]
They saw action during the "Tanker War" phase of the Iran–Iraq War and proved effective against Iraqi forces. After one was sunk and another damaged during Operation Praying Mantis in 1988 they saw little further use, as the Iranian Navy proved no match for the U.S. Navy.[6]
An Alvand-class frigate in port at Konarak, Iran was reported to have been struck from the air during the 2026 Iran war.[7]
Upgrades
The Sea Killer missiles were replaced by Chinese made C-802s in the 1990s. The Sea Cats were replaced by the addition of a 20mm (0.79in) AA gun.
Two triple 12.75-inch (324mm)torpedo tubes, two 81mm (3in) mortars and two 0.50 caliber machine guns were also fitted.[5]
Successors
The Moudge-class frigate is a modified Iranian-built version of the Alvand class, with three either in service or under construction.[8]
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