(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — Since May last year, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran reportedly modified two commercial vessels owned by the country’s shipping company known as “Shahid Mahdavi” and “Shahid Bagheri” to transform them into drone carrier,
Both 240-meter-long commercial vessels have the capability to carry helicopters and drones, either for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions or for daring attacks.
In addition to being adapted for helicopter and drone carrier, both IRGC drone transport ships have been equipped with other weapon systems, including cannons, anti-ship missiles, air defense systems, and high-speed boats carrying rockets.
“Shahid Mahdavi” and “Shahid Bagheri” are also equipped with 3D Phased Array radar and electronic warfare capabilities.
These Iranian drone carrier, currently undergoing modifications, are expected to be launched next year after all modification work is completed.
Speaking to the Persian state media, a senior Iranian military official was reported to be saying that vessels like “Shahid Mahdavi” and “Shahid Bagheri” would become a mobile “maritime cities” ready to perform tasks at sea.
“It can establish a stable Sea Line Of Communication (SLOC) and provide assistance to Iranian fishing boats and commercial ships, as well as neighboring countries that need it,” said Commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Navy, Admiral Ali Reza Tangsiri.
Iranian media outlets have stated that these drone carrier will enhance Iran’s monitoring and offensive capabilities utilizing suicide drones to extend beyond the Middle East region.
This is likely to unsettle the United States and Israel, which also have various strategic interests in the region.
Among the drones to be operated by the Iranian military on these drone carrier is the suicide drone “Shahed-136,” developed by Iran but also used by the Russian military in Ukraine with great effect.
With the ability to reach a distance of up to 2,000km to 2,500km, the “Shahed-136” suicide drone poses a serious threat to commercial ships using maritime routes in the relevant region.
The presence of drone transport ships presents an effective, asymmetric, and opportunistic threat to US forces in the region and its allies.
This is not the first time Iran has modified commercial vessels for military purposes.
In 2020, it previously converted a commercial ship into a multi-purpose warship named “Shahid Roudaki,” equipped with helicopters, drones, anti-ship guided missile systems, air defense systems, and several fast boats. In 2021,
Iran also converted a tanker into a forward base warship named “Makran.” — DSA
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