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The report said the vessel, manned by the paramilitary
Revolutionary Guard’s navy, can carry several squadrons of
drones as well as helicopters and cruise missiles. Named Shahid
Bagheri, it's capable of launching cruise missiles, IRNA said.
With a 180-meter-long runway for drones, the vessel can travel
up to 22,000 nautical miles without needing to refuel in ports.
The report said it was converted from a commercial ship and
would increase Iran’s power of deterrence.
Footage broadcast by state TV on the inauguration showed at
least four helicopters and three drones on the warship's runway.
Chief of the Guard, Gen. Hossein Salami, said at the ceremony
that the warship can travel “independently” in seas for up to
one year.
Iran needs to increase its deterrence capacity to prevent war,
he said, stressing that Iran doesn't wish to wage war with any
country.
“Iran is not considered a threat to any country, but we do not
bow before threat by any power,” Salami said.
Chief of the Guard’s navy Adm. Ali Reza Tangsiri said it took
more than two years to build the warship from the commercial
vessel.
The report said the ship also has a hospital and facilities such
as a gym for its crew.
Iran has long vowed to boost its presence on seas worldwide.
Since 1992, Iran began a military self-sufficiency plan under
which it claims the production of its own submarines, jet
fighters and military tanks.
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