Iranian Drone Carrier Shahid Mahdavi Arrives in Malaysia for “Operational Visit” ??
According to an official statement released on the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) Facebook account, the two Islamic Republic of Iran Navy assets making their inaugural visit to Malaysia are the auxiliary ship Shahid Mahdavi and the frigate IRINS Dena.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – History was made as, for the first time, two warships from the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy (IRIN) made a port call in Malaysia in what the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) described as an “operational visit.”
According to an official statement released via the RMN’s Facebook account, the two Iranian naval assets making their inaugural visit to Malaysia are the auxiliary ship Shahid Mahdavi and the frigate IRINS Dena.
“For the first time, two assets of the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy have arrived in Malaysia for an operational visit. These assets include the auxiliary ship (ocean liner – 110-3) Shahid Mahdavi and the frigate I.R.I.N.S Dena,” the RMN statement read.
“This visit marks a historic milestone that will serve as a foundation for strengthening bilateral relations between the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) and the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy in the future. Welcome to Malaysia!” the statement added.
The Director of Human Resource Development (RMN), Captain Erman Shahril Adlan, led the RMN delegation in welcoming the arrival of the Iranian warships, accompanied by the RMN Central Band.
Also present was the Ambassador of Iran to Malaysia, His Excellency Valiollah Mohammadi Nasrabadi.
Frigate “Dena.” (kredit TLDM)“Shahid Mahdavi”
What makes this visit particularly noteworthy is that Shahid Mahdavi—one of the visiting Iranian warships—is reported to be a drone carrier operated by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN).
Shahid Mahdavi is one of two known Iranian drone carriers, the other being Shahid Bagheri.
According to international reports, both vessels are believed to be multi-role warships designed to project Iranian naval power beyond its territorial waters.
Originally built as a container ship by Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan, South Korea, in 2000, Shahid Mahdavi has previously operated under various names, including Iran Isfahan, Sarita, Dandle, Twelfth Ocean, and Sarvin.
In July 2021, the vessel underwent a conversion into a warship at Shahid Darvishi Marine Industries near Bandar Abbas and was officially commissioned in March 2023.
Technical Specifications of Shahid Mahdavi
Length: 240 meters
Beam: 32 meters
Displacement: 36,000 to 40,000 tons
Maximum Speed: 18 knots
Operational Range: Up to 18,000 nautical miles without refueling
Propulsion:MAN B&W engines generating 29,000 kW
(kredit TLDM)
Beyond its role as a drone carrier, Shahid Mahdavi—along with its sister ship Shahid Bagheri—is equipped with a wide array of weapon systems, including:
Images released by Iranian media in mid-2024 revealed that Shahid Bagheri, Iran’s first drone carrier, is now equipped with a “ski jump” launch system, similar to those found on the Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov and the UK’s Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers.
Senior Iranian military officials have stated that drone carriers like Shahid Mahdavi and Shahid Bagheri will function as mobile maritime cities, capable of sustaining long-range naval operations for extended periods.
Both vessels are reportedly capable of remaining at sea for up to a year without requiring resupply, further solidifying Iran’s maritime presence.
“Shahid Mahdavi”“Shahid Mahdavi”
According to IRGCN Commander Rear Admiral Ali Reza Tangsiri, the ships will also support Iran’s strategic maritime objectives, ensuring the stability of Sea Lines of Communication (SLOC) while providing assistance to Iranian fishing vessels and regional commercial ships in need.
Iranian media reports suggest that the Shahid Mahdavi and Shahid Bagheri drone carriers will significantly enhance Iran’s reconnaissance and strike capabilities, particularly through the deployment of suicide drones.
Among the drones believed to be operated from these vessels is the Shahed-136, an Iranian-made loitering munition also used by Russian forces in Ukraine.
With an estimated range of 2,000 km to 2,500 km, the Shahed-136 poses a serious threat to merchant ships and naval vessels operating in the region.
By integrating drone warfare with naval operations, Iran aims to extend its military reach beyond its maritime borders, reinforcing its strategic posture in the Persian Gulf, Indian Ocean, and beyond.
