Iran has officially commissioned the Shahid Bahman Bagheri drone carrier, with the launch ceremony attended by Major General Hassan Bagheri, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces. The vessel, designed for drone operations, features a launch system similar to those used by Russian carriers and is equipped with air Idefense systems, special forces capabilities, a medical facility, multiple refueling stations, and various military assets. According to Iran’s state news agency IRNA, the Shahid Bagheri measures 240 meters in length and 21 meters in height. It is equipped with helicopters, missiles, drones, and an aircraft elevator. The vessel has the capacity to carry 60 drones and 30 missile-launching boats, potentially enhancing Iran’s naval reach.

Beyond drone operations, the vessel is capable of helicopter missions, electronic warfare, and air defense operations in both offensive and defensive roles. Additionally, it is armed with Noor-series surface-to-surface cruise missiles and has a designated platform for anti-ship missiles. The operational range of these missiles varies between 750 and 2,000 kilometers, significantly boosting the vessel's strike capabilities.

Drone carriers serve as floating bases for unmanned aerial operations, which may include reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, and precision strikes. Countries such as the United States, China, Russia, and Iran have incorporated this capability into their naval strategies.

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The Shahid Bagheri has an extended operational range compared to the Shahid Mahdavi vessel, surpassing 19,000 nautical miles. It features an 180-meter flight deck that allows for aircraft takeoff and landing.

Iran Shahid Bagheri Drone CarrierShahid Bahman Bagheri was a senior member of Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and was killed in action in 1988 during the Iran-Iraq War. The IRGC has previously introduced two other vessels, the Shahid Mahdavi and Shahid Roudaki, as part of its combat and logistics fleet.