Iran Unveils First Drone-Carrier Warship to Strengthen Naval Operations

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has added its first drone-carrier vessel to its naval fleet in a ceremony held in the Persian Gulf port city of Bandar Abbas.

The Shahid (Martyr) Baqeri drone carrier was originally a commercial container ship but has been modified to launch and retrieve UAVs, as well as carry helicopters and speedboats, Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported on February 6.

Equipped with various defense systems, cruise missiles, and electronic warfare capabilities, the vessel features a 180-meter flight deck for UAV and helicopter operations. It can carry up to 60 drones, including combat and reconnaissance models.

The 240-meter ship, weighing approximately 35,000 tons, can operate continuously for a year without refueling. Iran first unveiled this drone carrier in October 2022.

At the ceremony, IRGC Commander-in-Chief Maj. Gen. Hossein Salami stated that the vessel was designed for “defense in distant waters” to protect Iran’s interests far from its shores. He emphasized that Iran does not seek conflict but remains resolute in the face of threats.

“Iran is not considered a threat to any country and does not threaten the residents of any country,” he said.

Referring to Israeli threats against Iranian nuclear sites, Salami warned that any attempt to attack Iran’s interests would be met with a “very tough” response.

“We are not saying this in words; we have already proven our defense policy in practice. We are not a country that anyone threatens. They will face really tough and sometimes unexpected and unimaginable responses in terms of the scope of severity and the type of target we choose.”

Maj. Gen. Mohammad Baqeri, chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, stated that the ship would enable Iran to operate in international waters and secure its maritime interests. He added, “This capability is in no way against any of the neighbors or countries in the region.”

Baqeri also noted that while foreign navies frequently patrol near Iran’s borders, Iran would now reciprocate by maintaining a presence in distant waters in accordance with international law.

Speaking on the sidelines of the ceremony, IRGC Navy Commander Rear Adm. Alireza Tangsiri described the vessel as a “strategic addition” that enhances Iran’s deterrence capabilities. He emphasized the warship’s role as a mobile base for drone and helicopter operations, reinforcing Iran’s presence in regional waterways.

In recent years, IRGC vessels have seized several ships traveling through the waterway as tensions over U.S.-led sanctions have escalated. Iran has also conducted multiple military exercises in recent weeks, projecting strength after months of military confrontations with Israel.

As part of these maneuvers, the Iranian Navy deployed its 100th combat flotilla for a patrol mission in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden. Last October, the European Union (EU) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) issued a joint statement urging Iran to relinquish control of three islands in the Persian Gulf.

On February 4, Iran’s regular army launched the second phase of its Eqtedar (Power) 1403 air defense drills in the southwestern and central regions of the country. The first phase of the exercise took place on January 7, primarily focusing on the defense of the Natanz, Fordo, and Khondab nuclear facilities.