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Iran Unveils New ‘Drone Carrier’ Shahid Bagheri with Operational Drones

Iran has publicly showcased the capabilities of its new drone carrier, the Shahid Bagheri, by releasing footage of drones taking off and landing on its flight deck, equipped with an arresting gear system. This unusual vessel, officially described as a sea base-like ship, features a ski jump at its bow and is armed with both cruise missiles and various self-defense weapons.

The recent images were made available during a ceremony commemorating the Shahid Bagheri‘s formal induction into service with the Iranian naval forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The ship, which was converted from a commercial container vessel starting in May 2022, began sea trials in November of the previous year.

Footage from the ceremony demonstrated a modified Ababil-3 drone launching off the ship’s 180-meter flight deck. This drone, characterized by an arresting hook, successfully recovered on the deck by catching an arresting wire, demonstrating its landing capabilities. The Ababil-3 is powered by two turbojet engines located under each wing, enhancing its flight performance from the relatively short deck.

There are indications that new engines resembling microjets were tested under the Ababil-3 drone during this event, suggesting a dedication to improving drone performance and operational capabilities.

While questions linger regarding the permanence of the modifications to the Ababil-3 and the potential development of a more refined design, the drone’s basic architecture is recognized as a well-established platform within Iran and among its regional allies. The Ababil-3 is utilized for reconnaissance and surveillance missions along with the deployment of precise munitions.

In addition to the Ababil-3, the flight deck also featured drones resembling the infamous Qaher-313 aircraft. Among them, a 60% scaled variant called JAS-313 was seen, speculated to function as an armed strike drone potentially capable of carrying smaller precision-guided munitions.

The Qaher-313 itself has faced skepticism due to its past portrayal as a dubious stealth fighter that has never been seen in flight. Reports from Iranian media have hinted at developments in unmanned variations derived from the Qaher-313, with some claiming successful flight tests last year.

Also present onboard the Shahid Bagheri were several other drone types, including the Mohajer-6, which have been reported to serve in various global conflicts. Helicopters, such as American-designed Bell Model 206 and 212, as well as Russian-made Mi-17s, were also spotted operating from the ship.

The IRGC has showcased their new drone carrier, the Shahid Mahdavi, with prior footage hinting at its functionality. However, the latest images confirm its capacity to launch and recover not just aircraft but also small boats, enhancing its operational versatility.

Significantly, the Shahid Bagheri is reported to be armed with anti-ship cruise missile launchers and features a turret that appears to be an automatic cannon. With claims of possessing short and medium-range air defense systems and possible electronic warfare capabilities, the ship aims to bolster Iran’s naval capabilities while addressing criticisms regarding U.S. naval presence in the region.

Despite its capabilities, the future operational status of the Shahid Bagheri raises several critical questions. Its design retains the ship’s original commercial superstructure, creating unique challenges in operational maneuver the tight spaces of the flight deck may pose during landing operations. There remain concerns about the vessel’s ability to recover aircraft safely without them colliding with the superstructure due to miscalculations.

The Iranian military is likely to leverage the ship for various regional objectives, potentially employing its capabilities in scenarios that extend beyond the conventional defense narratives. While the carrier may not be positioned as a frontline threat to U.S. naval forces, it could disrupt commercial shipping routes and engage in more opportunistic targeting of less-defended vessels.

Finally, the Shahid Bagheri serves not only as a strategic military asset but also symbolizes Iran’s ambitions to extend naval operations on a global level, potentially reaching operational ranges mentioned as high as 22,000 nautical miles. This initiative is reflective of an overarching trend in military strategy, emphasizing drone warfare and the adaptation of maritime assets for advanced aerial missions.

With ongoing development and operational testing, the Shahid Bagheri is expected to play a significant role in Iran’s military positioning, as its capabilities and strategic applications gradually unfold.

Source
www.yahoo.com