ALWAGHT- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy has deployed a domestically-developed oceangoing warship that has crossed the Equator, marking its entry into the Southern Hemisphere.
The Shahid Mahdavi, a versatile vessel engineered for extended missions, achieved this milestone on Friday as part of Iran's naval expansion into international waters and high seas.
Weighing 2,100 tonnes and measuring 240 meters in length by 27 meters in width, this oceangoing warship was incorporated into the IRGC's naval fleet in March 2023.
It boasts a three-dimensional phased array radar, along with sea-to-sea and sea-to-air missiles, alongside advanced telecommunication systems for electronic warfare.
Equipped to accommodate various attack helicopters, combat drones, and fast attack craft, the Shahid Mahdavi enhances Iran's naval capabilities significantly.
In recent years, Iranian military specialists and engineers have achieved significant advancements in producing a diverse array of domestic equipment, fostering self-sufficiency within the armed forces.
Officials from Iran affirm the nation's commitment to enhancing its military prowess, particularly its missile capabilities, solely for defensive purposes.
Iran has unequivocally stated that its defense capabilities are non-negotiable. Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, has consistently emphasized the importance of preserving and strengthening Iran's defense capabilities.
