The naval fleet of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), on Thursday, received its first drone-carrier warship, Martyr Bahman Baqeri, capable of deploying different types of small unmanned aerial vehicles and air defense missiles.
The warship, which can carry several squadrons of unmanned aerial vehicles, was inducted into the fleet at a ceremony held in the port city of Bandar Abbas.
Join us for a quick tour of our first aircraft carrier, the Martyr Bahman Bagheri (C-110-4), a versatile vessel designed to carry out a broad range of operations on the high seas.
— Iran Military (@IRIran_Military) February 6, 2025
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According to Tasnim News Agency, the drone carrier features a 180-meter-long runway. It is equipped with facilities for fueling and refueling drones, marine vessels, and helicopters, short and medium-range air defense systems, and intelligence and control tower equipment.
Also equipped hospital facilities, sports hall and a gym, the vessel can remain at sea for a year.
It is capable of carrying and deploying various types of drones, and guided submersibles, and has the ability to detect electronic signals, comprehensive electronic warfare capabilities, long-range surface guns and weapons, and long-range surface cruise missiles.
Media reports suggest that Martyr Bahman Bagheri is a commercial vessel which was repurposed as a drone carrier.
IRCG Navy Commander Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, who called it the "largest naval military project" said the addition of the warship to the fleet will significantly enhance the defence capabilities and deterrence of Iran.
Chief of the Iranian armed forces, General Mohammad Bagheri reportedly claimed that it is a mobile base that can operate self-sufficiently throughout the world's waters.
