Iran Unveils First Underground Naval Base
On 18 January 2025, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) unveiled its first underground naval missile base at an undisclosed location along the Persian Gulf. The facility has reportedly been built 500 meters below the surface which provides ample protection against aerial bombardment and missile attacks. This strategic depth ensures the base’s survivability in the event of an attack, making it a key asset in Iran’s defensive strategy. Operational secrecy is further enhanced by the ability to launch assets under cover of darkness or adverse weather conditions, which can obscure movement even further. Concealed access points ensure that adversaries cannot easily predict or intercept Iran’s naval operations, providing a significant strategic advantage.
(Photo Credit: Tasnim News Agency)
This development is part of Iran’s broader strategy to enhance its defensive capabilities amid escalating tensions with the United States and Israel. The fortification of Iran’s underground naval missile base is a deliberate response to the evolving capabilities of modern military adversaries. In an era where precision-guided munitions (PGMs) and advanced bunker-busting bombs are becoming increasingly effective, such depth and reinforcement provide a significant tactical advantage. By situating the base deep underground, Iran significantly reduces the effectiveness of precision-guided munitions (PGMs). The weapons may strike the surface or cause minor structural damage but are unlikely to penetrate the reinforced layers and reach critical assets.
Concealed access points to the sea are a key feature of the base’s design. These access points involve subterranean canals or tunnels that lead directly to the open water. They are engineered for rapid deployment, enabling naval assets to launch operations quickly and without detection. The access points are camouflaged under natural terrain or integrated with retractable covers, making them nearly invisible to reconnaissance efforts. The exact nature of the access points has not been officially disclosed by Iranian sources.
The facility houses a fleet of attack boats equipped with advanced missile systems. These boats are capable of rapid deployment for offensive or defensive operations in Iran’s southern waters, including the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. The missile-equipped boats enhance Iran’s ability to strike surface targets, including enemy ships and potential intruders in strategic waterways.