– Iran has converted a commercial container ship into its first aircraft carrier, called the Shahid Bahman Bagheri.
– The carrier belongs to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN), which is designated as a terrorist organization by some countries including the US.
– Images show the nearly 800-foot vessel is nearing completion, with an angled flight deck marked for aircraft landings.
– Unlike traditional carriers, Bagheri started as a container ship and has a bulky superstructure requiring an angled deck that wraps around the side, limiting aircraft operations.
– The carrier is expected to primarily operate reusable drones like the Shahed-129, a 26-foot propeller-driven drone with a 1000 mile range that can carry sensors and small missiles.
– Operating drones from the sea-going carrier could extend their range over neighboring countries and into the Gulf of Oman or farther, potentially provoking tensions.
– While the carrier may operate some rotary wing drones and helicopters, it does not have the capabilities like catapults for launching or arresting gear for recovering jet aircraft.
– The carrier and its drone operations will likely be a significant part of Iran’s expanding naval capabilities and potential future conflicts in the region.
Source: The Telegraph
