Tehran, Dec 15 (V7N) — Amid heightened tensions with Israel and the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria, Iran has unveiled a significant technological advancement: a warship designed exclusively for drones. Dubbed Shahid Bagheri, the warship was spotted near the Iranian naval port of Bandar Abbas in the Persian Gulf through Maxar satellite imagery.

Originally a 24-year-old container ship, Shahid Bagheri has been transformed into a "Forward Base Ship," capable of both manufacturing and launching drones. The vessel features a short runway and a ski-jump surface, designed specifically for drone and helicopter operations, ruling out the possibility of fighter jet deployment.

Iran has developed two additional drone-carrying warships: Shahid Roudaki and Shahid Mahdavi. All three ships have been detected in the Persian Gulf, signaling Iran's growing capabilities in unmanned aerial warfare. These ships demonstrate how Iran has adapted to Western sanctions by focusing on indigenous technological advancements.

According to the Eurasian Times, Shahid Bagheri was launched from Iran Shipyard and Offshore Industries in late November 2023 and has since been undergoing trials. This development marks a significant leap forward for the Iranian Navy, which does not yet possess traditional aircraft carriers.

Iran’s drone technology has already made an impact on global battlefields. The Iranian-made Shahed drones, used extensively by Russia in Ukraine, are a testament to Tehran’s expertise in unmanned systems. With the introduction of drone-carrying warships, Iran has further solidified its position as a leader in drone warfare.

The deployment of Shahid Bagheri and its sister ships is likely to heighten tensions in the region, particularly with the United States and Israel. These advancements showcase Iran’s ability to innovate despite ongoing sanctions and underline its growing influence in modern warfare.

END/RH/AJ