Iranian warship conducts first test launch of containerized ballistic missile.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard has test-fired a containerized ballistic missile for the first time aboard the multi-purpose warship Shahid Mahdavi in the Gulf of Oman.

Major General Hossein Salami, commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), announced on February 12 that the force had successfully test-fired a long-range ballistic missile mounted on a warship. Video released that same day showed the missiles being launched from a container-based launcher on the deck of the warship Shahid Mahdavi.

According to Iranian media, this was the first time the IRGC had test-fired ballistic missiles from a warship in the Gulf of Oman. Two Fateh-series ballistic missiles, with a range of up to 1,700 km, struck their targets in the test.

"Our expeditionary warships can be present anywhere in the world . When we have the capability to launch missiles from these warships, no country that intends to threaten Iran can be safe," General Salami declared.

Iranian warship conducts first test launch of containerized ballistic missile. — Iran's Shahid Mahdavi warship launched a containerized ballistic missile in the Gulf of Oman on February 12. Video: *Tasnim*

In November 2020, the IRGC's maritime operations force announced plans to deploy a fleet, including its first expeditionary warship, Shahid Mahdavi, to the northern Indian Ocean region.

The Shahid Mahdavi warship, converted from a container ship, is 240 meters long and 32 meters wide, capable of operating helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The warship is equipped with anti-aircraft and anti-surface missiles, as well as advanced radar and communication systems.

On February 12, the IRGC conducted a simulated ballistic missile strike exercise targeting Israel's Palmachim air base south of Tel Aviv. According to the IRGC, Palmachim is the main base for F-35 stealth fighters in the Israeli Air Force.

Iran's missile tests and drills took place amid escalating regional tensions following the outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Hamas in October 2023. Iran expressed support for Hamas, but denied any involvement in or support for the group's attacks on Israel.

During the February 11th event commemorating the 45th anniversary of the Iranian Islamic Revolution, President Ebrahim Raisi accused Israel of "violating 400 declarations and resolutions of international organizations." Raisi called for Israel's expulsion from the United Nations and for "an end to the bombing of the Gaza Strip as soon as possible."

Nguyen Tien (According to AFP )

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