Qaaem, Qaem or Ghaaem is an Iranian designed class of semi-heavy submarines. The first ship of this class, Qaaem, is currently under construction. On 25 August 2008, Iranian defence minister Mostafa Mohammad-Najjar announced Iran had started building their first semi-heavy submarine: Qaaem. The submarine would be capable of carrying and firing various types of torpedoes and undersea missiles. According to the Iranian Navy these Submarines will weigh over 1,000 tons. Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, said that they would be equipped with torpedoes and naval mines. He also said: "the smart long-range Qaa'em submarine is also capable of carrying out both defensive and offensive operations".
