Iran introduces new Baqeri drone carrier warship amid rising regional tensions.

According to information published by @Navy_Iranian on August 20, 2024,Iran has recently unveiled its newest addition to its naval fleet, the Baqeri drone carrier warship.
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Iranian drone carrier Shahid Baqeri. (Picture source: @Navy_Iranian)

Originally a commercial container ship known as Sarvin, this vessel has been converted by Iran into a formidable platform for drone operations. The modification process, which took place at a shipyard near Bandar Abbas, involved expanding the deck to accommodate a variety of drones. The vessel now features a 170-meter runway, allowing it to launch and recover fixed-wing drones over long distances.

Controlled by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the Shahid Bagheri is expected to play a key role in expanding Iran's influence in maritime regions, particularly in areas like the Arabian Sea and potentially the Red Sea.

The ship's capabilities align with Iran's broader strategy of using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to exert pressure on adversaries and protect its interests in regional conflicts. This includes support for allied groups, such as the Houthis in Yemen, who have been involved in targeting merchant vessels in the region.

The introduction of this drone carrier is seen as part of Iran's broader strategy to enhance its asymmetric warfare capabilities, particularly as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate.

IRGC Navy

The IRGC Navy operates independently from Iran’s regular Navy. Among the notable assets of the IRGC Navy is the Shahid Mahdavi, a repurposed 240-meter-long container ship now serving as a multipurpose warship. Commissioned in 2023, this vessel is equipped with advanced radar, air defense systems, and a variety of missiles, including anti-ship ballistic missiles like the Zolfaghar.

The IRGC Navy also deploys a range of fast attack boats, such as the Peykaap and Zolfaghar classes, which are armed with various missile systems, including the Kowsar and Nasr anti-ship missiles.