Moudge

The Moudge class, also transliterated as Mowj or Mouj, is a series of domestically produced Iranian surface combatants. Iran officially describes the ships as destroyers, while many foreign references classify them as light frigates or corvettes. The programme is important because it shows Iran's attempt to sustain naval construction under sanctions and limited access to foreign warship suppliers.

Moudge-class ships are relatively small surface combatants fitted with naval guns, anti-ship missiles, torpedo tubes, air-defence weapons, radars, and a helicopter landing area. Their design lineage draws on older Iranian frigate experience while incorporating local systems where possible. Capability varies between individual ships as Iran modifies sensors and weapons across the class.

Operationally, the Moudge class gives the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy a visible national surface-combatant programme. Ships have been used for patrol, presence, training, and strategic messaging. Although the class is smaller than major destroyers, it is central to Iran's narrative of self-sufficient naval modernization.