Iran unveils first homegrown drone carrier warship PHOTO/VIDEO

Iran has officially introduced its first drone carrier warship, the Shahid Bagheri, marking a significant milestone in the country's naval capabilities.

Unveiled on the morning of February 6, the state-of-the-art vessel is designed to deploy multiple drone squadrons, capable of launching and recovering unmanned combat aircraft and operating a range of reconnaissance and strike drones, Caliber.Az reports, citing Iranian media.

The Shahid Bagheri is equipped with cutting-edge technology, supporting high-speed attack boats and capable of carrying and deploying combat and support helicopters. This warship serves as a versatile mobile maritime platform, designed to execute complex drone and helicopter missions across expansive ocean territories.

One of its standout features is its impressive operational range. With the ability to endure up to Force 9 sea conditions in the open ocean, the Shahid Bagheri can sail a distance of up to 22,000 nautical miles. 

This extended operational range allows for missions of up to a year without the need for refuelling, enabling Iran to project power and maintain a persistent presence in distant waters.

By Khagan Isayev