Iran Launches Drone and Helicopter Carrier

Iran has officially launched its first sea-based carrier capable of deploying both fixed-wing long-range drones and helicopters.

The new carrier, named Shahid Bagheri, has been integrated into the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy fleet. The carrier, which was converted from a commercial container ship, features a 180-meter-long runway and is designed to operate as a mobile platform for various drone and helicopter missions across the seas.

The Shahid Bagheri was introduced during a ceremony in Bandar Abbas, a southern port city. It is equipped with air defense systems, including short- and medium-range missiles, and electronic warfare capabilities. These systems allow the carrier to engage with small aircraft and defense missiles, supporting operations in both the air and at sea.

Commander of the IRGC Navy, Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, was quoted as saying by Iranian media that it took two years to transform the commercial vessel into the Shahid Bagheri.

The Shahid Bagheri carrier boasts an operational range of 22,000 nautical miles, allowing it to operate for up to a year without needing to refuel. In addition to drones, the carrier can launch and retrieve fast combat vessels and support various types of helicopters, including combat and support choppers. The Shahid Bagheri can also carry guided subsurface vessels, long-range surface-to-surface cannons, and cruise missiles.

The ship is further equipped with a specialized hospital and sports facilities to support the crew during long missions.