Iran unveils first UAV-carrying warship

Iran on February 6 launched its first warship carrying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and helicopters, saying it is capable of operating in waters far from land.

The ship, named Shahid Bagheri, is capable of launching cruise missiles and will be operated by the navy of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), IRNA news agency reported.

Iran unveils UAV carrier Shahid Beheshti on February 6, 2025

With a 180-meter (600-foot) runway for drones, the ship can travel nearly 41,000 kilometers (25,000 miles) without refueling at port and can operate in rough seas, according to AP. Television footage of the Shahid Bagheri’s launch showed at least four helicopters and three drones on the ship’s flight deck. The ship also has a hospital and amenities such as a gym for the crew.

According to Reuters, this ship is different from previous IRGC warships because it can launch and recover large UAVs such as the Qaher, a miniature unmanned version of a domestic fighter model.

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IRGC Navy Commander Alireza Tangsiri said the Shahid Beheshti was originally a cargo ship before being converted into a “mobile naval base” at sea. Tangsiri stressed that Iran needs to strengthen its deterrence capabilities to prevent potential conflicts, stressing that the country does not want to go to war with any country.

Therefore, "adding the ship to the fleet is an important step to enhance Iran's defense and deterrence capabilities in distant waters, as well as maintain national security interests," according to Mr. Tangsiri.

Iran has long expressed its ambition to increase its presence at sea. Since 1992, Iran has embarked on a military self-sufficiency plan, which has seen the country produce submarines, fighter jets and military tanks domestically, according to AP.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/iran-trinh-lang-tau-chien-cho-uav-dau-tien-185250206181104236.htm