TEHRAN, Iran — Iran has launched its inaugural drone-carrying warship, announcing that this vessel is designed to operate in oceans that are distant from its shores, according to a report from the official IRNA news agency on Thursday.
The report indicates that the ship, which is operated by the naval branch of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, is capable of carrying multiple drone squadrons, as well as helicopters and cruise missiles. Dubbed the Shahid Bagheri, this ship has the capability to launch cruise missiles, IRNA noted.
Measuring 180 meters in length, the vessel features a runway for drones and can navigate up to 22,000 nautical miles without requiring a port refuel. The ship reportedly began its life as a commercial vessel but has since been modified to enhance Iran’s deterrent capabilities.
State television aired footage during the inauguration, which showcased at least four helicopters and three drones stationed on the runway of the warship.
During the ceremony, General Hossein Salami, the chief of the Revolutionary Guard, stated that the warship could operate independently at sea for up to one year. He emphasized the necessity for Iran to bolster its deterrent abilities to avert conflict, asserting that Iran is not eager to engage in warfare with any nation.
“Iran does not pose a threat to any nation, but we will not submit to threats from any power,” Salami remarked.
Admiral Ali Reza Tangsiri, the commander of the Guard’s navy, mentioned that transforming the commercial ship into a warship required more than two years of work. The report also highlighted that the ship is equipped with facilities such as a hospital and a gym for the crew’s comfort.
Iran has expressed its commitment to expanding its maritime presence globally. Since 1992, the nation has pursued a military self-sufficiency initiative, claiming it is capable of producing its own submarines, fighter jets, and military tanks.
