IRGC expands its fleet in the Persian Gulf with the addition of the drone carrier Shahid Bagheri
Iran has officially commissioned a domestically-produced drone carrier into the naval fleet of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), now operational in the strategically significant waters of the Persian Gulf.
The IRIS Shahid Bagheri, named in honor of IRGC commander Bahman Bagheri, who was killed during the 1980s conflict with Iraq, was officially inducted into the naval fleet in a ceremony held in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas on Thursday.
The Shahid Bagheri, featuring a 180-meter runway, functions as a versatile maritime platform designed to support drone and helicopter operations across the world’s oceans.
The vessel is designed to accommodate multiple squadrons of unmanned aerial vehicles, including various patrol and combat drones. It is equipped to launch and recover lightweight, swift combat boats and can carry a diverse range of combat and support helicopters.
During the event, Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy, announced that the transformation of a commercial vessel into a drone carrier was a project that spanned over two years.
According to his statement, the carrier’s impressive operational range of 22,000 nautical miles allows it to carry out missions in remote waters for an entire year without the requirement for refueling.
Tangsiri highlighted the vessel’s capabilities, emphasizing that it is equipped to interact with a range of small aircraft and air defense missiles. The carrier boasts advanced short- and medium-range air defense systems, along with intelligence-gathering equipment and a sophisticated flight control tower.
The carrier is equipped not only to detect electronic signals but also to deploy and utilize guided underwater vessels. It is further armed with long-range surface-to-surface artillery and cruise missiles, enhancing its offensive capabilities.
According to his statement, the Shahid Bagheri complex is equipped with both specialized hospital and sports facilities.
The integration of this vessel into the IRGC Navy fleet marks a significant advancement in bolstering the defense and deterrence capabilities of the Islamic Republic of Iran in remote maritime regions, safeguarding the nation’s strategic interests.
