Iran's IRGC Special Forces Using Modern German Underwater Vehicles

A recent parade of IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps) equipment in Bandar Abbas revealed some interesting gear. Mostly the parade showed of newly constructed boats including the unique Zulfiqar class air defense fast boat. But hiding among some underwater vehicles, next to the XLUUV demonstrator, was something surprising. A small diver propulsion vehicle (DPV).

The DPV is a German Bonex model. This is similar to those used by Germany's elite Kampfschwimmers.

How Iran acquired modern western special forces gear is unclear. The same family of Bonex designs has also found its way into the Russian Spetsnaz inventory. The Iranian example was displayed on top of a military carry case, suggesting that it was not a civilian purchase.

Reference images of the same type of DPV in service with German KSK (Kampfschwimmers) special forces.

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