Alwaght- Shortly after Iran unveiled its underground missile and naval bases that drew large-scale media coverage, the IRGC on Thursday launched its largest naval ship, called Shahid Bahman Bagheri drone-carrier, which is actually a multipurpose floating sea base.
This strategic move by the Iranian armed forces is not just a technological triumph for Iran in the naval combat, but also can be called a move to create deterrence proportionate to recent regional developments and a message in response to the threats made by interventionist transregional forces.
The ship can carry tens of drones and at the same time carry out missile operations. It is also a well-equipped ship ready for surveillance, rescue, defense, offensive, and logistical operations.
The ship is also capable of carrying military drones, helicopters, speedboats, and anti-ship cruise missiles. The drone takeoff system is based on a sloping ramp and the landing is based on a side runway, where drones equipped with landing gear land. The ship is equipped with an aircraft lift.
At the launching ceremony, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, General Mohammad Bagheri, held that "this process will continue and we will create the required number of such naval bases, which will protect our maritime interests, waterways, and naval fleets in the Sea of Oman and Indian Ocean in the first step and around the world in next steps."
According to General Bagheri, launching new equipment and weapons took place in Iranian forces, adding new capabilities to them. He further held that they conducted various war games and more are coming in show of the readiness of the Islamic Republic's armed forces.
Highlighting the growing readiness of the armed forces to defend the country, General Bagheri said: " Our enemies have received the necessary messages and have realized that we are more prepared every day to defend the country and that no threat to our country will have any practical or effective meaning."
According to Brigadier General Alireza Tangsiri, commander of the IRGC Navy, the vessel is a drone-carrier . The range of the new ship has increased compared to the Shahid Mahdavi ship, another carrier launched March last year, and has exceeded 19,000 nautical miles. In addition to having a fleet inside, the Shahid Bahman Bagheri vessel also has a 180-meter runway for drone landing and taking off.
However, the display of power by the Iranian armed forces and the addition of new weapons to the naval fleet did not remain away from media focus, drawing wide-range international coverage.
For example, Global Defense News website in its latest report on the Shahid Bagheri drone-carrier called it Iran's first multi-purpose ship, designed to counter the presence of foreign forces in regional waters.
The report, noting that the ship is designed to deploy drones, helicopters and missile systems, states that "given the operational range and endurance of the Shahid Bagheri drone-carrier, for long missions, the ship is expected to serve in key maritime areas. The launch of this ship is part of Iran's effort to expand its naval operations and control regional waters.
Naval News, the official publication of the British navy, reported on the ship, saying that the launch of this vessel to the IRGC Navy fleet will be an important step in enhancing Iran’s defense and deterrence capabilities in distant waters while helping to protect Iran’s national interests. According to available reports, this ship is equipped with short and medium-range air defense systems, intelligence gathering equipment and a flight control tower.”
Also, AP wrote: “Iran has unveiled its first drone-carrying warship, a ship capable of operating in oceans far from its mainland.”
In this regard, the Eurasia Times writes: “The unveiling of the Shahid Bagheri drone-carrier can be described as a major military development for a country that is under international sanctions. The ship joins a long list of weapons systems that Iran has recently unveiled to deter its arch-enemy, Israel.”
Al-Monitor suggested that Shahid Bagheri drone-carrier is the latest domestic product to be added to Iran’s growing military arsenal. Iran has been working to strengthen its domestic military capabilities for years. It cited IRGC Commander General Hossein Salami, as saying: “Iran is not a threat to any country, but we will not bow down to threats from any power.”
The War Zone website in a report held that the presence of Qaher 313 drone on the deck of the ship was one of the key points of the launch of the ship.
Reuters for its part said that amid military maneuvers that run from early January to early March, Iran’s armed forces have unveiled new weapons as Tehran prepares for increased tensions with Israel and the US under President Donald Trump. The ship differs from previous IRGC warships in that it can support larger drones such as the Qaher 313.
The bold and ambitious move by the IRGC also drew attention of the Israeli media outlets. Times of Israel in a report shed light on Iran's new ship launch, describing it the "biggest naval project of the history of the Islamic Republic of Iran." Enhancing capabilities and technology of Iranian drones and creating deterrence against Israel were the points mentioned by the Israeli outlet.
It also reported that since comeback to the White House of Donald Trump, who in his first term embarked on a policy of maximum pressure on Tehran, Iran staged several war games in display of strength.
