Iran's naval capabilities are set to expand significantly with the imminent completion of its first aircraft carrier, the Shahid Bahman Bagheri. This development, which began in 2022, represents a notable shift in the country's maritime strategy, particularly for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN).
The Bagheri, measuring nearly 800 feet in length, is not a conventional carrier but rather a repurposed commercial container ship. This approach to carrier construction is reminiscent of the first aircraft carrier, HMS Argus, which was converted from an ocean liner in 1918. The vessel's primary purpose is to serve as a platform for drone operations, including both surveillance and attack unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
One of the most distinctive features of the Bagheri is its angled flight deck, a design element first introduced on HMS Centaur in 1954. However, unlike purpose-built carriers, this angled deck is a necessity due to the ship's existing superstructure rather than an optimization for flight operations. The carrier also incorporates a ski-jump ramp at the bow, facilitating the launch of fixed-wing aircraft with heavier payloads.
The IRGCN, established in 1979 following the Iranian Revolution, operates separately from Iran's regular navy, which was founded in 1932. While the conventional navy patrols distant waters with submarines and aging frigates, the IRGCN focuses on operations in the Persian Gulf, an area spanning approximately 251,000 square kilometers.
"The IRGC has been designated as a terrorist organization by the United States since 2019."
The Bagheri is expected to primarily operate with reusable drones, potentially including the Shahed-129. This UAV, first introduced in 2012, boasts a range of up to 1,000 miles and can carry both sensors and small guided munitions. The deployment of such drones from a seaborne platform could significantly extend Iran's reach over neighboring countries and into the Gulf of Oman.
It's worth noting that the Bagheri lacks catapults and arrestor wires, limiting its ability to operate larger manned aircraft. This contrasts with US Navy supercarriers, which can exceed 1,000 feet in length and support a wide range of aircraft operations.
The development of the Bagheri comes at a time when drone warfare is increasingly prominent, as evidenced by conflicts in the Black and Red Seas. The first drone attack in history occurred as far back as 1849 using balloons, while the first successful drone landing on an aircraft carrier was achieved in 2013.
As Iran continues to face international sanctions, a situation ongoing since 1979, the completion of the Bagheri represents a significant advancement in its naval capabilities. This development is likely to have far-reaching implications for regional security dynamics in the Persian Gulf and beyond.