Iran Navy IRGC unveils new missile during exercise in Persian Gulf.

According to information published by Tasnim News Agency on August 2, 2023, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy initiated a series of war games in the Persian Gulf.
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Maritime exercise of the IRGC Navy. (Picture source: Fars News)

The exercises aim to exhibit the robust capabilities of the IRGC Navy and their readiness to defend both the security of the Persian Gulf and the sovereignty of the Iranian islands.

The exercises draw upon the extensive resources of the IRGC Navy, utilizing a diverse array of units such as combat, naval, missile, drone, rapid reaction, electronic warfare, and airborne units. In addition, the drills are augmented by the supporting presence of the IRGC Aerospace Force, collectively demonstrating a myriad of military tactics.

Part of the drill involves the deployment of the ‘Fath’ and ‘Qadir’ missile systems on the Iranian islands, including Abu Musa. The naval commander disclosed a significant upgrade for the ‘Hojaji Special Unit’ vessels, which for the first time are equipped with missiles boasting a 600-kilometer range. This upgrade is seen as a major enhancement in ensuring the security of Abu Musa and the other Iranian islands.

The IRGC Navy's dynamic tactics are further exemplified by the deployment of missile-launching speedboats that can reach a stunning speed of 90 knots, unmanned aerial vehicles, artificial intelligence-operated remote naval vessels, amphibious aircraft, and highly accurate naval ballistic missiles.

The IRGC Aerospace Force adds another dimension to the war game, deploying military aircraft and helicopters to deliver paratroopers to the exercise locations.

Iranian naval cruise missile

Among the Iranian missile systems, the Abu Mahdi missile stands out due to its long range and versatility of launch platforms.

Named after Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, an Iraqi companion of Qasem Soleimani who was killed in an American airstrike in 2020, the Abu Mahdi is an Iranian naval cruise missile with a range of over 1000 km.

Unveiled in 2020, this missile has the ability to be launched from a variety of platforms, including sea, land, and air launchers. This missile's range is approximately triple the range of Iran's previously most capable anti-ship missiles, the Raad and Qadir missiles, making it a significant addition to Iran's military capabilities.