Why in News?
IRIS Dena, an Iranian Navy Moudge-class frigate, is in the news because it was torpedoed and sunk by a United States Navy submarine in international waters off the coast of Sri Lanka on March 4, 2026.
Ship Specifications:
- Class: Moudge-class frigate (often referred to by Iran as a "destroyer").
- Commissioned: June 2021.
- Displacement: Approximately 1,500 tonnes.
- Armament: Equipped with surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles, a 76mm naval gun, and torpedo launchers.
The Incident:
- Location: Approximately 40 nautical miles south of Galle, Sri Lanka, in international waters.
- Weapon Used: A single Mark 48 (Mk 48) heavyweight torpedo fired from a U.S. fast-attack submarine.
- Timing: A distress call was recorded at roughly 5:08 AM local time following a massive underwater explosion.
Rescue Operations:
- Sri Lankan Response: The Sri Lankan Navy rescued 32 survivors and transported them to Karapitiya Hospital in Galle.
- Indian Assistance: The Indian Navy deployed INS Tarangini, INS Ikshak, and a P-8I maritime patrol aircraft to assist in search and rescue efforts.
Broader Context:
- The strike is part of an escalating 2026 conflict between the U.S.-Israel coalition and Iran, which intensified following airstrikes within Iran on February 28.
- A second Iranian vessel, IRIS Bushehr, was subsequently interned by Sri Lanka in Trincomalee for "safekeeping" to prevent further attacks.
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