Iran unveils its first warship carrying UAVs.

On February 6, Iran launched its first warship carrying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and helicopters, and stated that the vessel is capable of operating in waters far from land.

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

Iran unveils the Shahid Beheshti UAV carrier on February 6, 2025.

According to AP, with a 180-meter-long runway for UAVs, the ship can travel nearly 41,000 km without refueling at port and can operate in rough seas. Television footage of the Shahid Bagheri's launch showed at least four helicopters and three UAVs on the ship's runway. The ship also has a hospital and amenities such as a gym for the crew.

According to Reuters, this ship differs from previous IRGC warships because it can launch and recover large UAVs such as the Qaher, a miniaturized unmanned version of a domestically produced fighter jet.

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IRGC naval 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 and reiterated that it does not want to wage war with any country.

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

Iran has long expressed ambitions to increase its presence at sea. Since 1992, Iran has embarked on a military self-sufficiency plan. Accordingly, the country claims to be producing 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