Shahid Bagheri Drone Carrier Joins IRGC Navy Fleet (Video)

Shahid Bagheri (C110-4) drone carrier was officially inducted into the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy fleet on February 6. The ceremony was attended by Major General Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Major General Hossein Salami, Commander of the IRGC, and Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, Commander of the IRGC Navy.

Shahid Bagheri drone carrier measures 240 meters in length, 32 meters in width, and has a draft of 12 meters.

This drone carrier features a 180-meter runway and an upwardly curved ramp, similar to those found on aircraft carriers, to facilitate drone takeoff. The ship is capable of carrying and operating various types of drones and helicopters. Additionally, it has a large space on the lower levels for housing multiple drones, missile-capable speedboats, and more.

It is reported that the Shahid Bagheri drone carrier has the capacity to carry 60 drones and 30 fast missile boats. This capability significantly enhances its operational flexibility and firepower.

Like all aircraft carrier or drone carrier class ships, this vessel utilizes an elevator to transport aircraft and other essential items from the hangar to the deck. Behind the bridge, there is a sizable area with a helicopter pad, designated for the ship’s primary helicopter(s). On the unveiling day, this section was covered with a tent for the ceremony and the commanders’ presence. Additionally, it appears that the main missile weapons of the Bagheri drone carrier are situated in this section as well.

Regarding armament, the Bagheri drone carrier is currently equipped with eight Kowsar 222 air defense missiles, each with a range of 17 km, positioned at the front and rear of the ship. Additionally, there are eight anti-ship missiles from the Qader/Nasir series, comprising four twin launchers, located behind the bridge. The vessel also features a single-barreled 30 mm cannon with an electro-optical system at the front and two triple-barreled 20 mm Asefeh Gatling guns situated at the rear and stern.

According to Admiral Tangsiri, Commander of the IRGC Navy, the Shahid Bahman Bagheri drone carrier is equipped with the following specifications and features:

• Speed of 22 knots
• Fast attack boats capable of firing missiles with a range of 30 kilometers
• Drone combat group (reconnaissance, surveillance, and combat)
• Attack and support helicopter combat flotilla
• Submarine combat team
• Six-bed specialized hospital and various medical and welfare facilities
• 180-meter runway
• Three separate fueling stations for helicopters, drones, and vessels
• Electronic warfare teams
• Missile defense systems
• Special commando operations capabilities
• Diving team
• Long-range surface-to-surface missiles
• Drone and helicopter control tower
• Drone squadron
• Eight two-story hangars
• Ability to operate continuously for one year

One of the most intriguing aspects of adding this drone carrier is the unveiling and deployment of the Qaem Jet drones. The Qaem (Ghaem) drone, also known as Qaher 313, has been observed in two versions—60% and 20%—on Shahid Bagheri drone carrier. It remains uncertain if the 100% scale variant of the Qaem drone will also be deployed on this carrier.

As previously mentioned, Shahid Bagheri drone carrier is equipped with missile-launching fast craft. These fast craft are launched into the water using overhead cranes located on the sides of the ship.

Iran can utilize drone carriers as floating bases in nearby waters or international waters to conduct various operations, including reconnaissance, intelligence, and combat missions. The United States, China, Russia, and Turkey have previously employed this capability at sea.

The name of this ship, Shahid Bagheri, honors martyr Bahman Bagheri, who was martyred in 1988 during the Iran-Iraq War at Faw. Bahman Bagheri was a prominent martyr of the IRGC and served as the commander of communications at the IRGC Navy’s Nuh Base during the war.