Iran’s Shahid Bahman Bagheri: A Game-Changer in Naval Warfare

Iran’s New Drone Carrier: A Strategic Leap in Naval Capabilities

On February 6, 2025, Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) officially accepted the delivery of the Shahid Bahman Bagheri, a homegrown drone and helicopter carrier. This event, held in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas, marks a significant milestone in Iran’s efforts to bolster its naval capabilities. The carrier, named after an IRGC commander who died during the Iran-Iraq War, symbolizes Iran’s commitment to enhancing its defense and deterrence strategies, particularly in the Persian Gulf and beyond.

The Shahid Bahman Bagheri is a converted commercial vessel, transformed over two years into a multi-purpose naval platform. Its commissioning underscores Iran’s focus on cost-effective solutions to expand its maritime force projection. With an operational range of 22,000 nautical miles, the carrier can conduct missions for up to a year without refueling, making it a formidable asset for long-range operations. This development is part of Iran’s broader strategy to strengthen its naval presence and protect its national interests in distant waters.

Capabilities and Features of the Shahid Bahman Bagheri

The Shahid Bahman Bagheri is a 240-meter-long vessel with a displacement of over 40,000 tons. It features an 180-meter runway equipped with a ski-jump for launching and recovering unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The carrier can deploy two helicopters and an unknown number of UAVs, including the Qaher-313, which is powered by a turbofan engine. Notably, the vessel lacks visible arresting gear, suggesting a focus on UAV operations rather than traditional aircraft.

In addition to its aerial capabilities, the carrier is equipped with short- and medium-range air defense systems, intelligence-gathering equipment, and electronic warfare systems. It can also deploy uncrewed subsurface vessels, further enhancing its versatility. The ship’s MAN B&W Type 8 S70 MC-C diesel engine provides a top speed of over 20 knots, ensuring swift maneuverability in operational scenarios.

“The addition of this vessel to the IRGC Navy fleet marks a significant step in enhancing Iran’s defense and deterrence capabilities in distant waters, while also contributing to the protection of the country’s national interests.” – Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, Commander of the IRGC Navy

Strategic Implications and Global Context

The deployment of the Shahid Bahman Bagheri reflects Iran’s broader strategy of leveraging asymmetric naval capabilities to counterbalance more technologically advanced adversaries. By converting commercial vessels into military platforms, Iran maximizes its maritime force projection while minimizing costs. This approach aligns with global trends, as countries like the United States, China, and Russia also employ drone carriers for reconnaissance, intelligence, and combat missions.

Iran’s focus on drone technology is particularly noteworthy. The carrier’s ability to deploy a variety of UAVs, including the Shahed-136 and Mohajer-6, enhances its operational flexibility. These drones can be used for surveillance, target acquisition, and even offensive operations, providing Iran with a cost-effective means of extending its naval reach. The Shahid Bahman Bagheri’s deployment is expected to strengthen Iran’s presence in the Gulf of Oman, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean, regions of strategic importance for global trade and security.

However, the carrier’s commissioning has also raised concerns among regional and international stakeholders. Critics argue that Iran’s expanding naval capabilities could exacerbate tensions in an already volatile region. The Shahid Bahman Bagheri’s potential to conduct long-range operations and deploy missile systems underscores the need for diplomatic efforts to ensure maritime security and stability.

Conclusion

The Shahid Bahman Bagheri represents a significant leap in Iran’s naval capabilities, showcasing the country’s ability to innovate and adapt in the face of resource constraints. Its conversion from a commercial vessel to a multi-purpose drone carrier highlights Iran’s strategic focus on asymmetric warfare and cost-effective solutions. With its advanced UAV deployment systems, air defense capabilities, and long-range endurance, the carrier is poised to play a crucial role in Iran’s maritime operations.

Looking ahead, the Shahid Bahman Bagheri’s deployment could have far-reaching implications for regional and global security. As Iran continues to expand its naval presence, the international community will need to balance deterrence with diplomacy to address the challenges posed by this evolving maritime landscape. The carrier’s success will likely inspire further innovations in naval technology, shaping the future of maritime warfare in the 21st century.

FAQ

What is the Shahid Bahman Bagheri?
The Shahid Bahman Bagheri is a converted commercial vessel transformed into a drone and helicopter carrier by Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC).

What are its key capabilities?
The carrier can deploy UAVs, helicopters, and uncrewed subsurface vessels. It is equipped with air defense systems, intelligence-gathering equipment, and has an operational range of 22,000 nautical miles.

Why is this development significant?
The Shahid Bahman Bagheri enhances Iran’s naval capabilities, enabling long-range operations and strengthening its presence in strategic maritime regions.

Sources: Naval News, Al Mayadeen, Army Recognition