Iran's Revolutionary Guard has unveiled its first drone-carrier warship, marking a major advancement in the country's naval capabilities. The vessel, named Shahid Bagheri, was converted from a commercial ship and is designed for extended operations in international waters.
The warship features a 180-meter runway and can carry multiple squadrons of drones, helicopters, and cruise missiles. With its extensive range of 22,000 nautical miles without refueling, the Shahid Bagheri can remain at sea for up to one year independently.
During the inauguration ceremony, footage showed at least four helicopters and three drones positioned on the vessel's runway. The ship also includes facilities such as a hospital and gym for its crew.
General Hossein Salami, Chief of the Revolutionary Guard, emphasized that the warship's purpose is deterrence rather than aggression. "Iran is not considered a threat to any country, but we do not bow before threat by any power," he stated at the ceremony.
According to Admiral Ali Reza Tangsiri, head of the Guard's navy, the conversion from commercial vessel to warship took over two years to complete. This development aligns with Iran's military self-sufficiency initiative, which began in 1992.
The launch of Shahid Bagheri represents Iran's growing focus on expanding its maritime presence worldwide, while maintaining its stated position of defensive military development.