(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — Recently, Iranian media published clear images of the country’s first drone carrier, believed to be operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The carrier, named “Shahid Bagheri,” will manage drones owned by the IRGC.
The images released by Iranian media show that the drone carrier is equipped with a “ski jump launch” system, similar to that used by Russia’s aircraft carrier “Admiral Kuznetsov” and the United Kingdom’s Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers.
Iran was able to build the drone carrier quickly by converting a container ship, “Perrarin,” into a drone carrier.
A second Iranian drone carrier, “Shahid Mahdavi,” is also expected to join the Iranian military’s operations soon, following its conversion from a container ship into a drone carrier.
During the reign of the Shah, Iran reportedly considered acquiring an Invincible-class aircraft carrier from the United Kingdom, along with Harrier fighter jets, but the plan was abandoned after the Shah’s government was overthrown by Ayatollah Khomeini.
Starting in May 2022, the IRGC reportedly began converting two merchant ships owned by the country’s shipping company, named “Shahid Mahdavi” and “Shahid Bagheri,” into drone carriers for use by the elite military force.
In addition to modifications for carrying helicopters and drones, both IRGC drone carriers have been equipped with other weaponry, including cannons, anti-ship missiles, air defense systems, and fast boats equipped with rockets.
“Shahid Mahdavi” and “Shahid Bagheri” are also outfitted with 3D Phased Array radar and electronic warfare equipment.
Speaking to Persian media last year, a senior Iranian military official stated that ships like “Shahid Mahdavi” and “Shahid Bagheri” would serve as mobile “maritime cities” ready to carry out missions at sea.
“They can stabilize Sea Lines Of Communication (SLOC) and provide assistance to Iranian fishing boats and commercial vessels, as well as to those of regional countries in need,” said IRGC Navy Commander Admiral Ali Reza Tangsiri.
Iranian media reported that these drone carriers would enhance Iran’s surveillance and strike capabilities with suicide drones, extending its reach beyond its maritime borders.
This development is likely to further alarm the United States and Israel, both of which have significant strategic interests in the Middle East.
Among the drones expected to be operated by Iran’s military on these drone carriers is the Iranian-made “Shahed-136” suicide drone, which has also been used by Russian forces in Ukraine after being supplied by Tehran.
With a range of 2,000 to 2,500 kilometers, the “Shahed-136” suicide drone poses a significant threat to commercial vessels traversing the region’s maritime routes.
The presence of these Iranian drone carriers represents an effective, asymmetric, and opportunistic threat from Tehran in this persistently volatile region.— DSA