Iran's new domestically developed drone carrier, the IRIS Shahid Bagheri, has officially joined the Islamic Revolution Guards Corp's (IRGC) naval fleet in the Gulf. Named after Bahman Bagheri, an IRGC commander who was killed during the 1980s Iran-Iraq war, the vessel was introduced at a ceremony in Bandar Abbas on Thursday.

The 180-meter-long carrier can be a mobile platform for drone and helicopter operations, it can house multiple squadrons of unmanned aircraft. According to reports, it can also launch and retrieve light combat vessels and various types of drones, in addition to carrying combat and support helicopters.

IRGC Navy Commander Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri explained that it took two years to convert a commercial ship into a fully operational drone carrier. With a range of 22,000 nautical miles, the vessel can operate in distant waters for a year without refueling.

The Shahid Bagheri is equipped with air defense systems, including short- and medium-range missiles, as well as intelligence equipment and a flight control tower. It also can deploy guided subsurface vessels and long-range cruise missiles. 

The ship includes specialized facilities, such as a hospital and sports amenities.

Tangsiri emphasized that the addition of the Shahid Bagheri to the IRGC Navy's fleet is a significant step in enhancing Iran's defense and deterrence capabilities in distant waters, ensuring the security of national interests.

Iran’s missile program aimed at deterrence against attacks: Pezeshkian

Earlier this week, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized Iran's deterrence capabilities as the Defense Ministry introduced the Etemad ballistic missile.

Pezeshkian attended the National Space Technology Day exhibition, where the Iranian Defense Ministry presented its latest innovations, including satellite launchers and guidance systems.

During the event, he oversaw the unveiling of the Etemad ballistic missile, which has a range of 1,700 kilometers. The missile, measuring 16 meters in length and 1.25 meters in diameter, is equipped with a guided warhead that ensures it accurately strikes its intended target.

The president stated that Iran’s defense capabilities and space technologies are designed for deterrence, aiming to prevent any country from considering an attack against the Islamic Republic.

He added, “Iran’s advancement in defense capabilities and space technologies serves to deter aggression and guarantee that no country dare encroach on Iranian soil or even think about it."

Pezeshkian also highlighted that, despite efforts by adversaries to hinder Iran’s self-sufficiency, the country, relying on its youth and experts, proudly manufactures and even exports military equipment while making significant scientific advancements.

He added, "At one point, the enemies could easily invade our country, but today they can no longer think about it given Iran’s high military and defense power that has been achieved thanks to the efforts of the country’s youth, experts, and specialists."