New Iranian-made Makran forward base ship enters in service with Naval Forces of Iran.

According to information published by the Iranian press agency Tasnim on January 13, 2021, the Iranian Navy on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, took delivery of Makran, a forward base ship.
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Iranian Navy Makran forward base ship. (Picture source iswnews)

According to information provided by the Iranian press agency Tasnim, the Makran forward base ship can be categorized as a replenishment tanker, a naval auxiliary ship with fuel tanks and dry cargo holds which can supply both fuel and dry stores during underway replenishment (UNREP) at sea.

The Makran could be also used as a forward base ship like the U.S. Navy’s Expeditionary Sea Bases (ESB). The U.S. ESB is used as a floating base or transfer station that can be prepositioned off the target area.

Citing Tasnim, the Makran forward base ship can carry 100,000 tons of fuel and fresh water and supply them to the naval vessels in various locations. The Iranian-made ship will be able to be deployed on the sea for 1,000 days without a port call.

In September, Navy Commander Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi said Makran is the country’s largest military vessel. It could provide support for the Navy’s forces and warships in high seas, especially in the Northern Indian Ocean, Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and the Red Sea.

According to our analysis of Makran pictures released on the Internet, the front part of the ship is fitted with a large landing deck able to accommodate up to seven helicopters or VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) drones.