In recent years, Iran has made significant strides in expanding its naval capabilities, particularly through the development and conversion of commercial vessels into military assets. Among the most intriguing of these developments is the Shahid Bagheri, a vessel that has garnered attention for its unique design and potential strategic implications. This article provides a comprehensive examination of the Shahid Bagheri, its origins, design, operational capabilities, and the broader context within which it operates. By analyzing the technical details, strategic implications, and potential future developments, this article seeks to offer a detailed understanding of Iran’s evolving maritime capabilities.
The Shahid Bagheri: Origins and Development
The Shahid Bagheri represents a significant step in Iran’s ongoing efforts to expand its naval power, particularly through the innovative conversion of commercial vessels into forward base ships. The decision to convert the container ship Perarin into what is now known as the Shahid Bagheri reflects Iran’s strategic intent to enhance its ability to project power, not just regionally, but potentially on a global scale.
The conversion of the Perarin began under the supervision of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy, a branch of Iran’s military that has increasingly focused on asymmetric warfare tactics and the use of unconventional naval assets. The Perarin, originally a container ship with a length of approximately 790 feet, was selected for conversion due to its size and structural suitability for supporting a flight deck. This conversion project began around May 2022 at the Iran Shipbuilding & Offshore Industries Complex Company (ISOICO)Shahid
The decision to convert a container ship into a drone carrier is part of a broader strategy by the IRGC to enhance its maritime capabilities in a way that is cost-effective and leverages existing resources. This approach aligns with Iran’s broader military doctrine, which emphasizes asymmetric warfare and the use of unconventional methods to counter the technologically superior forces of the United States and its allies.
The Shahid Bagheri is expected to be the first of a series of similar conversions, with another vessel, the Shahid Mahdavi, reportedly under development. These vessels are part of Iran’s expanding series of aviation-capable designs, which include other forward base ships like the Makran and Shahid Roudaki. These vessels are not traditional aircraft carriers in the sense of supporting manned fighter jets; rather, they are designed to operate drones and other unmanned systems, reflecting Iran’s focus on leveraging drone technology for both reconnaissance and offensive operations.
Design and Features
The design of the Shahid Bagheri is both innovative and unconventional. Unlike traditional aircraft carriers, which feature a large, flat flight deck, the Shahid Bagheri retains much of the original superstructure of the Perarin. This superstructure spans the entire width of the deck, which has necessitated the adoption of an angled flight deck to provide the requisite runway length for drone operations.
One of the most distinctive features of the Shahid Bagheri is its angled flight deck, which extends from the midsection of the ship to a ski-jump ramp at the bow. This design allows for the launch of drones in a way that maximizes the limited space available on the vessel. The flight deck is marked with white-painted margins and a centerline, similar to those found on conventional aircraft carriers, indicating the areas intended for drone operations.
The ski-jump ramp at the bow of the ship is a critical feature, as it provides the necessary lift for drones to achieve takeoff. This ramp, combined with the angled deck, suggests that the Shahid Bagheri is designed to launch drones with relatively low power requirements, such as medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) drones. However, the exact types of drones that will be deployed from this vessel remain a subject of speculation.
Another key aspect of the design is the space available on the deck opposite the angled flight deck extension. This area could potentially accommodate various types of drones, helicopters, or even modular weapon systems. The aft deck, located behind the superstructure, is another area that could be used for helicopter operations or for launching smaller drones using catapult systems.
The retention of the original superstructure presents both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, it provides ample space for command and control operations, as well as the potential to house additional weapon systems. On the other hand, the proximity of the superstructure to the flight deck raises questions about the safety and feasibility of drone recovery operations. A small error in flight path during landing could result in a collision with the superstructure, potentially damaging both the drone and the ship.
Operational Capabilities and Strategic Significance
The Shahid Bagheri’s design suggests that it is intended to play a unique role within the IRGC Navy’s operational framework. Unlike traditional warships, which are typically designed for direct combat operations, the Shahid Bagheri appears to be optimized for asymmetric warfare and non-kinetic operations, particularly through the use of drones.
Drone Launch and Recovery
One of the most critical aspects of the Shahid Bagheri’s operational capabilities is its ability to launch and recover drones. The angled flight deck and ski-jump ramp are designed to facilitate the launch of drones, but the specifics of how these operations will be conducted remain unclear. The tight dimensions of the flight deck and the proximity of the superstructure suggest that only certain types of drones will be able to operate from this vessel.
Medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) drones, such as the Mohajer-6, Shahed-129, Fortros, and Kaman-12, seem like ideal candidates for deployment from the Shahid Bagheri. These drones are capable of conducting long-duration surveillance missions and can be equipped with small guided missiles or bombs for offensive operations. The Shahid Bagheri could serve as a launch platform for these drones, providing persistent surveillance coverage over large areas of ocean or coastal regions.
In addition to MALE drones, the Shahid Bagheri could also deploy vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drones. VTOL drones have the advantage of not requiring a long runway for takeoff or landing, making them well-suited for operations from a vessel with limited deck space. These drones could be used for a variety of roles, including surveillance, reconnaissance, and even electronic warfare.
The question of how drones will be recovered after their missions is a critical one. The tight dimensions of the flight deck make conventional recovery methods, such as arresting wires, difficult to implement. It is possible that the Shahid Bagheri will employ alternative recovery methods, such as net-based systems or barrier systems, to safely recover drones. However, these methods would likely limit the types of drones that can operate from the vessel and could also impact the speed and efficiency of recovery operations.
Potential Combat Roles
While the Shahid Bagheri is not a traditional warship, it does have the potential to play a significant role in Iran’s naval combat capabilities, particularly in the context of asymmetric warfare. The vessel’s ability to launch drones gives it the capability to conduct a wide range of missions, from surveillance and reconnaissance to direct attacks on enemy targets.
One of the most significant potential roles for the Shahid Bagheri is the launch of one-way attack drones, which are essentially unmanned kamikaze aircraft. These drones could be used to target enemy ships, coastal installations, or other high-value targets in the region. The use of one-way attack drones would allow Iran to conduct precision strikes against its adversaries without risking human lives or expensive manned aircraft.
In addition to one-way attack drones, the Shahid Bagheri could also be used to launch larger, more capable drones that can conduct extended surveillance missions. These drones could be used to monitor enemy naval movements, gather intelligence on coastal defenses, or even provide targeting information for missile strikes. The ability to deploy these drones from a mobile platform like the Shahid Bagheri would significantly enhance Iran’s ability to conduct operations in contested areas, such as the Persian Gulf or the Gulf of Oman.
However, the Shahid Bagheri’s combat capabilities are not without limitations. The vessel’s relatively small size and the vulnerability of its superstructure make it a less than ideal platform for sustained combat operations. In a high-intensity conflict, the Shahid Bagheri would likely be a high-value target for enemy forces, and its survivability in such a scenario is questionable. Nevertheless, the vessel’s ability to operate in a gray zone environment, conducting non-kinetic and limited kinetic operations, makes it a valuable asset for the IRGC Navy.
Comparisons with Other Iranian Naval Assets
The Shahid Bagheri is not the only vessel in the Iranian Navy and IRGC’s inventory that has been converted from a commercial ship into a military asset. The development of the Shahid Bagheri can be seen as part of a broader trend within Iran’s naval strategy, which has increasingly focused on the use of forward base ships to extend its operational reach.
Comparison with the Makran and Shahid Roudaki
Two other vessels that are particularly relevant for comparison with the Shahid Bagheri are the Makran and Shahid Roudaki. Like the Shahid Bagheri, these vessels were originally commercial ships that were converted into military assets with the capability to operate drones and other unmanned systems.
The Makran, which was converted from a former oil tanker, is a much larger vessel than the Shahid Bagheri, with a length of approximately 750 feet. The Makran features a flight deck capable of supporting helicopters and VTOL drones, making it a versatile platform for a wide range of operations. Unlike the Shahid Bagheri, which is designed primarily for drone operations, the Makran has a broader range of capabilities, including serving as a command and control platform, a logistics hub, and a base for special operations forces.
The Shahid Roudaki, on the other hand, is more similar in size and role to the Shahid Bagheri. Converted from a commercial vessel, the Shahid Roudaki is described by Iranian media as an “oceangoing warship capable of carrying aircraft.” However, like the Shahid Bagheri, the Shahid Roudaki’s design and capabilities suggest that it is optimized for asymmetric warfare, with a focus on drone operations and unconventional naval tactics.
Image : photo of IRGC drone carrier named Shahid Bahman Bagheri. – source X
The Evolution of Iran’s Forward Base Ships
The development of forward base ships like the Shahid Bagheri, Makran, and Shahid Roudaki reflects a broader evolution in Iran’s naval strategy. Traditionally, Iran’s naval forces have been focused on defending its territorial waters and projecting power within the Persian Gulf. However, in recent years, Iran has increasingly sought to extend its operational reach beyond its immediate region, including into the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, and even the Atlantic.
The conversion of commercial vessels into forward base ships is a cost-effective way for Iran to achieve this goal. These vessels provide a mobile platform for conducting a wide range of operations, from surveillance and reconnaissance to direct combat and special operations. By leveraging the capabilities of drones and other unmanned systems, Iran is able to project power far beyond its traditional sphere of influence, without the need for expensive and complex warships.
The Role of the Shahid Bagheri in Regional and Global Context
The development of the Shahid Bagheri and similar vessels has significant implications for regional and global security. Iran’s ability to project power beyond its immediate region poses a challenge to the security of critical maritime chokepoints, such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, as well as to global shipping lanes.
Impact on Regional Security
In the context of regional security, the Shahid Bagheri and other forward base ships enhance Iran’s ability to conduct operations in contested areas, such as the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and the Red Sea. These regions are of strategic importance due to their proximity to key shipping lanes and the presence of U.S. and allied naval forces.
The Shahid Bagheri’s ability to launch drones, particularly one-way attack drones, poses a significant threat to commercial shipping and naval vessels in these regions. While the vessel is unlikely to survive for long in a high-intensity conflict, it could still inflict significant damage in the early stages of a conflict, particularly against poorly defended targets.
The Shahid Bagheri could also be used to support Iran’s regional proxies, such as the Houthi militants in Yemen, who have already demonstrated their ability to conduct drone and missile attacks against shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. By providing a mobile platform for launching drones, the Shahid Bagheri enhances Iran’s ability to conduct proxy warfare and disrupt regional security.
Global Reach and Power Projection
Beyond its impact on regional security, the Shahid Bagheri represents a significant step forward in Iran’s ability to project power on a global scale. The vessel’s design and capabilities suggest that it could be deployed to areas far beyond Iran’s traditional sphere of influence, including the Indian Ocean, the Atlantic, and potentially even the Pacific.
The Makran has already demonstrated Iran’s ability to conduct extended deployments beyond its regional waters, with a notable cruise into the Atlantic in 2021. The Shahid Bagheri could follow a similar path, conducting operations in distant regions and demonstrating Iran’s growing naval capabilities.
The ability to project power globally, even if only for short periods of time, provides Iran with significant strategic advantages. It allows Iran to challenge the dominance of the U.S. and its allies in key maritime regions, disrupt global shipping lanes, and potentially even conduct attacks on targets far from its own shores. This capability also has significant psychological benefits, both domestically and internationally, as it demonstrates Iran’s growing military power and its ability to challenge the existing global order.
Iran’s Broader Military and Maritime Strategy
The development of the Shahid Bagheri is part of a broader trend within Iran’s military and maritime strategy, which has increasingly focused on asymmetric warfare and the use of unconventional tactics. This strategy is driven by Iran’s recognition of its military limitations relative to the United States and its allies, and its desire to level the playing field through the use of innovative and cost-effective methods.
Iran’s Asymmetric Warfare Doctrine
Asymmetric warfare is a central component of Iran’s military doctrine, and the Shahid Bagheri is a prime example of how this doctrine is being implemented in the maritime domain. Asymmetric warfare involves the use of unconventional tactics and strategies to exploit the weaknesses of a more powerful adversary. In the case of the Shahid Bagheri, this involves the use of drones and other unmanned systems to conduct operations that would be difficult or impossible for a traditional naval vessel.
The use of drones allows Iran to conduct operations with a lower risk of escalation, as drones are less likely to provoke a full-scale military response than manned aircraft or traditional naval vessels. This makes drones an ideal tool for conducting operations in contested areas, such as the Persian Gulf, where the risk of confrontation with U.S. and allied forces is high.
The Shahid Bagheri’s ability to operate drones also enhances Iran’s ability to conduct operations in the “gray zone,” a term used to describe actions that fall short of outright warfare but are intended to achieve strategic objectives. By using drones to conduct surveillance, gather intelligence, and launch precision strikes, Iran can achieve its objectives without crossing the threshold into full-scale conflict.
The Role of the IRGC Navy
The IRGC Navy plays a central role in Iran’s asymmetric warfare strategy, and the development of the Shahid Bagheri reflects the IRGC’s increasing focus on expanding its naval capabilities. Unlike the regular Iranian Navy, which is primarily responsible for defending Iran’s territorial waters, the IRGC Navy is tasked with conducting unconventional naval operations, including the use of small boats, mines, and drones to harass and disrupt the operations of more powerful naval forces.
The Shahid Bagheri fits squarely within this mission, providing the IRGC Navy with a versatile platform for conducting a wide range of operations. The vessel’s ability to operate drones allows it to conduct reconnaissance and surveillance missions, gather intelligence on enemy forces, and even launch attacks on high-value targets. This makes the Shahid Bagheri a valuable asset for the IRGC Navy, particularly in the context of its ongoing efforts to counter the presence of U.S. and allied forces in the region.
Recent Developments and Future Prospects
As of the latest reports, the Shahid Bagheri is still under construction, with significant progress being made on its flight deck and other key systems. The exact timeline for the vessel’s completion and entry into service remains unclear, but it is expected to be launched in the near future, potentially by the end of 2024.
Once operational, the Shahid Bagheri is likely to be deployed in a variety of roles, ranging from surveillance and reconnaissance to direct combat operations. The vessel’s ability to operate drones gives it a high degree of flexibility, allowing it to adapt to a wide range of mission requirements.
Expected Future Deployments
In terms of future deployments, the Shahid Bagheri is likely to be used primarily in the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and the Red Sea, where it can support Iran’s regional objectives and counter the presence of U.S. and allied forces. However, the vessel could also be deployed to more distant regions, including the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic, where it could demonstrate Iran’s growing naval capabilities and challenge the dominance of the U.S. and its allies.
The Shahid Bagheri’s ability to operate in these distant regions will depend on a variety of factors, including the availability of logistical support and the vessel’s ability to sustain operations far from Iranian shores. However, if successful, such deployments would significantly enhance Iran’s ability to project power on a global scale and disrupt the operations of its adversaries.
The Broader Implications for Global Maritime Security
The development of the Shahid Bagheri and similar vessels has significant implications for global maritime security, particularly in the context of Iran’s ability to disrupt key shipping lanes and challenge the dominance of the U.S. and its allies in critical maritime regions.
Impact on Global Trade Routes
One of the most significant potential impacts of the Shahid Bagheri is its ability to disrupt global trade routes, particularly through choke points like the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. These regions are critical to global trade, with a significant portion of the world’s oil and other goods passing through them on a daily basis.
The Shahid Bagheri’s ability to launch drones, particularly one-way attack drones, poses a significant threat to commercial shipping in these regions. In the event of a conflict or escalation of tensions, the Shahid Bagheri could be used to conduct precision strikes against commercial vessels, disrupting the flow of goods and causing significant economic damage.
The threat posed by the Shahid Bagheri is compounded by Iran’s ability to conduct operations in a gray zone environment, where it can deny responsibility for attacks and avoid provoking a full-scale military response. This makes the vessel a powerful tool for coercion and intimidation, allowing Iran to achieve its strategic objectives without resorting to outright warfare.
Countermeasures and International Response
The development of the Shahid Bagheri has not gone unnoticed by the international community, and there are likely to be significant efforts to counter the threat posed by the vessel. The U.S. and its allies have already taken steps to enhance their maritime security capabilities in the region, including the formation of coalitions like Operation Prosperity Guardian and the European Union’s naval task force Operation Aspides.
These coalitions are designed to protect commercial shipping from the threat of Iranian attacks, including those launched from vessels like the Shahid Bagheri. In addition to these defensive measures, there may also be efforts to develop new technologies and tactics to counter the threat posed by drones and other unmanned systems.
However, despite these efforts, the Shahid Bagheri represents a significant challenge for the international community. Its ability to operate in a gray zone environment and its potential to disrupt global trade routes make it a potent tool for Iran, and one that will require a coordinated and sustained response from the U.S. and its allies.
In conclusion, the Shahid Bagheri represents a significant evolution in Iran’s naval capabilities, reflecting the country’s broader strategy of asymmetric warfare and its desire to project power beyond its traditional sphere of influence. The vessel’s unique design, with its angled flight deck and ski-jump ramp, allows it to operate drones in a variety of roles, from surveillance and reconnaissance to direct combat operations.
While the Shahid Bagheri is not without its limitations, its development and eventual deployment have significant implications for regional and global security. The vessel enhances Iran’s ability to conduct operations in contested areas, disrupt global trade routes, and challenge the dominance of the U.S. and its allies in critical maritime regions.
As Iran continues to develop and deploy vessels like the Shahid Bagheri, the international community will need to adapt to this new reality, developing new strategies and technologies to counter the threat posed by these unconventional naval assets. The Shahid Bagheri may not be the most powerful ship in the world, but it represents a new and potentially dangerous chapter in Iran’s ongoing efforts to expand its military capabilities and challenge the existing global order.
