Iran to unveil Zagros destroyer and biggest military base in Jask PHOTO

The Iranian Navy is preparing to launch the Zagros destroyer, a sophisticated vessel designed for combat and intelligence operations, as the country prepares to reveal its largest military base in Jask.

Navy Commander Rear Admiral Shahram Irani confirmed that the domestically-built destroyer Zagros will soon be integrated into the naval fleet, Caliber.Az reports via Iranian media.

“This week, a unique military vessel called Zagros, which is developed with Iranian knowledge and capabilities and enjoys distinctive features, will be launched into the water to start operating in the region,” Irani stated.

The Zagros destroyer, hailed as the most advanced ship in the Navy, is built for both combat and intelligence operations. 

Furthermore, Irani announced that Iran’s largest military base will open in Jask this week, complete with specialized docking facilities featuring state-of-the-art technology.

He commended Iran’s shipbuilding industry for its high quality, noting that the 86th fleet of the Iranian Navy, despite facing numerous challenges, has successfully demonstrated the Islamic Republic's maritime strength to global powers and created opportunities for tapping into the blue economy.

Irani recognized the valuable contributions of knowledge-based companies and scientists, saying, “With your capabilities, you have defeated the so-called American exceptionalism in the seas, proving that these waters belong to all nations.”

Referring to the Navy's international presence, he noted, “Today, the power of Iran’s Navy has reached a level where other countries seek to utilize our capacity and capability.” 

In recent years, Iran's Navy has become self-reliant in producing both surface and subsurface vessels, while expanding its presence in international waters to safeguard naval routes and protect merchant ships and tankers. Iranian naval forces have engaged in joint military exercises with countries such as Russia, China, and Pakistan to improve combat preparedness. 

Additionally, they have taken part in operations aimed at combating piracy and maritime terrorism, including the exchange of information on naval rescue missions and sharing operational insights to enhance the security of global maritime trade. 

In 2023, Iran’s 86th flotilla of warships embarked on an extraordinary 360-degree global voyage, covering a distance of 63,000 kilometres over the course of eight months. The flotilla, which included the domestically-built destroyer Dena and the Makran forward base ship, set a record for the longest journey undertaken by an Iranian naval fleet in international waters, successfully passing through the Strait of Magellan, the closest point to the South Pole.

Another significant achievement for Iran's Navy was the successful hosting of the Indian Maritime Exercise (IMEX) 2024, which saw the participation of many members and observers from the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS). The Iranian destroyer Jamaran played a central role in the joint naval drills, which also involved the naval forces of Russia, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Pakistan, Qatar, and Bangladesh.

By Naila Huseynova