Iran’s Revolutionary Guards unveiled the Martyr Bahman Bagheri, their first drone carrier, in Gulf waters. This newly repurposed commercial vessel can carry up to 60 drones, launch long-range missiles, and sustain operations for a year. The unveiling, part of Fajr decade celebrations, underscores Iran’s ongoing military advancements amid rising tensions with the U.S. and regional adversaries.
On Thursday, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards revealed their first drone carrier, the Martyr Bahman Bagheri, in Gulf waters. This commercial vessel, reconfigured over the past two-and-a-half years, is noted as the largest naval military undertaking in the Islamic Republic’s history. Capable of launching long-range missiles and accommodating up to 60 drones, it is designed for electronic warfare and can sustain missions at sea for up to a year.
During the unveiling, naval commander Alireza Tangsiri highlighted the carrier’s military capabilities. Guards Chief Hossein Salami affirmed that Iran does not aim to threaten other nations, stating, “but we will not bow to the threat of any power.” The Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, General Mohammad Bagheri, described the vessel as a self-sufficient mobile base operational in global waters.
The carrier’s unveiling aligns with the Fajr decade—an annual celebration marking the Islamic Revolution that ousted the US-backed shah. Amid increasing tensions and past sanctions from the United States, Iran continues to showcase its military advancements, underscoring its strategic missile and drone capabilities developed since the 1979 revolution, after severing ties with the U.S.
In conjunction with this display, Iran recently introduced a new ballistic missile purportedly capable of reaching targets approximately 1,700 kilometers away. These developments signal Iran’s commitment to demonstrate military strength, particularly following heightened scrutiny from international communities and the previous U.S. administration’s policies.
The unveiling of Iran’s first drone carrier represents a significant advancement in the nation’s military capabilities, reflecting its strategic focus on developing autonomous warfare technologies. Since the 1979 revolution, Iran has shifted from reliance on foreign military support to a self-sustaining defense industry, creating advanced missiles and drones designed to enhance its deterrence strategy amidst ongoing regional tensions and sanctions from Western powers, particularly the United States.
The introduction of the Martyr Bahman Bagheri by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards marks a milestone in the country’s military evolution, demonstrating its capability to develop sophisticated naval assets and advanced weaponry. This unveiling not only illustrates Iran’s commitment to enhancing its defense posture but also conveys a message of resilience against perceived external threats, aligning with ongoing regional military dynamics.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
