The The Alvand class (), or Saam class () was originally a class of four frigates built for the Imperial Iranian Navy. They were renamed following the Iranian Revolution, and served in the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy during the IranâÂÂIraq War. Only one remains in service. IRIS Sahand was sunk by the U.S. Navy during Operation Praying Mantis in 1988. Two were sunk during the 2026 Iran war.
The ships were built in the United Kingdom by Vosper Ltd and based on their Mark 5 design with the following arms & equipment:
They were refitted in the UK shortly before the 1979 Iranian Revolution.
The ships were originally named after characters from Ferdowsi's Shahnameh. After the Islamic Revolution, they were renamed after mountains in Iran.
They saw action during the "Tanker War" phase of the IranâÂÂIraq 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.
An Alvand-class frigate in port at Konarak, Iran was reported to have been struck from the air during the 2026 Iran war.
The Sea Killer missiles were replaced by Chinese made C-802s in the 1990s. The Sea Cats were replaced by the addition of a AA gun.
Two triple torpedo tubes, two mortars and two 0.50 caliber machine guns were also fitted.
The is a modified Iranian-built version of the Alvand class, with three either in service or under construction.