Iran Overhauls Russian-Built Sub Tareq (Kilo SSK) with Russian weapons System?

Iran Overhauls Russian-Built Sub Tareq (Kilo SSK) with Russian weapons System?(OSG).Today, RIA Novosti reported that the Iranian Navy had finished the overhaul of Tareq, one of Iran's four Kilo (SSK) submarines acquired from Russia in the early 1990s. Unfortunately, little is currently known about what type of overhauls and upgrades have occurred since the Kilo went into the dry dock at Bandar-e Abbas. However, it was reported in 2005 that Rosoboronexport had planned to upgrade the submarines for Iran with the potential of receiving the Klub weapon system. Although such an upgrade would substantially enhance Iranian naval capabilities, what's more interesting is that maintenance (and possible upgrades) occurred locally while Iranian engineers have been working simultaneously on constructing Qaaem: Iran's 1,000+ ton submarine reportedly capable of launching subsurface-to-surface cruise missiles. It's very possible Iran may be trying to replicate the Kilo's capabilities in its own submarine construction in addition to the Klub weapon system.
While that's certainly the best case scenario for Iran, little beyond the completion of the overhaul has been actually confirmed. If Iran has been successful at acquiring the Klub, the possibility of an unreported offset agreement may have provided the technology transfer from Russia. In addition, if this type of technology can now be put into newer Iranian submarines, then Iran has certainly moved up the value chain in fabrication capabilities, something OSGEOINT has speculated on for some time.MSI on 29 January 2011 acquired from Geo Eye show Iran's Bandar-e Abbas and the position where Tareq has been under covered storage since at least 2008, possibly earlier. OSGEOINT previously reported on this activity here.
Low resolution MSI on 24 May 2012 acquired from Digital Globe show Iran's Bander-e Abbas dry docks and the absence of the covering where the previous Kilo was being overhauled. Due to low fidelity imagery, it's difficult to confirm if the submarine is still present. However, the absence of the covering may further support Tareq's launching as previously reported.

Possible Iranian upgrades to the Klub weapon system increase Iranian capabilities in the Strait as well as provide a strategic first strike option if Iran is able to acquire nuclear weapons. In addition, certain upgrades may help Iran move up the value chain for future submarine fabrication.Unfortunately, acquiring the Klub, if true, increases Iranian threat perceptions in the West which may lead to a greater risk for conflict.The other two Kilo-class subs are the Nooh (1993) and the Yunes (1997).Read and see the full story here.