Iran unveils converted cargo ship as first aircraft carrier
Iran has commissioned its first aircraft carrier, the Shahid Bagheri (C110-4), which was developed from the container ship Perarin as part of a programme to convert large commercial vessels for military purposes. The ship has been adapted to support helicopter takeoffs, drones, and missile systems. Tehran anticipates that the Shahid Bagheri will enhance control over regional waters and enable expanded naval operations.
The latest photos and footage of the ship, which Iran is presenting as a floating naval base, were shown on 6 February 2025, originating from the ceremonial commissioning of the vessel. The ceremony, held in Bandar Abbas in the Persian Gulf, was attended by key representatives of the Iranian military, including General Hossein Salami, Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps; Admiral Ali Reza Tangsiri, Commander of the Iranian Navy; and Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces.
Shahid Bagheri - Iran's new aircraft carrier
During the ceremony, General Salami emphasised that Iran does not seek conflict with any nation but will not yield to any threats. He also explained that the Shahid Bagheri was designed as a mobile platform for various operations, including intelligence gathering, missile attacks, and aerial surveillance. Admiral Ali Reza Tangsiri noted that the Shahid Bagheri is capable of operating independently at sea for up to one year, significantly boosting Iran's operational capabilities on international waters.
The Shahid Bagheri was developed as part of Iran's strategy to enhance naval capabilities by converting commercial ships. According to The War Zone, its reconstruction likely began in May 2022 and lasted about two years. During this period, the former container ship Perarin received an angled flight deck and a drone launch system, among other things. It was also fitted with a power plant and a hospital. The aircraft carrier underwent sea trials in November 2024, and its commissioning took place a few months later.
Information about the capabilities and equipment of the Shahid Bagheri aircraft carrier is still limited. However, it is known that it is a vessel with a length of approximately 240 metres, a displacement of over 45,000 tonnes, equipped with a 180-metre runway, and capable of reaching a maximum speed of 40 km/h. Army Recognition reports that the ship is armed with Noor long-range cruise missiles, short-range air defence systems, two Asefeh 20mm calibre guns, and one 30mm calibre gun located on the bow of the ship. Additionally, the Shahid Bagheri is said to have an anti-ship missile launch platform.
The 180-metre runway and its equipment allow the Shahid Bagheri to handle various types of drones and helicopters. The list includes Mi-17, Bell-412, and Shahed 278 helicopters, as well as Ababil-3, Mohajer-6, Shahed-136 drones, and the Qaher-313, which has attracted considerable interest. The Qaher-313, also known as the F-313, was first unveiled in February 2013.
Initially, it was presented as an advanced, single-seat stealth fighter with radar evasion and low-altitude operating capabilities. Ultimately, Iran decided to alter its concept, likely due to emerging technological challenges. In 2023, Tehran announced that the Qaher-313 would become an unmanned aerial vehicle, adapted to meet the current needs of the Iranian armed forces.
It is worth recalling that since 1992, Iran has been pursuing a military self-sufficiency programme, producing its own submarines, fighter jets, and tanks. The Shahid Bagheri represents another step in this direction, demonstrating Iran's ability to adapt and innovate in the field of military technology.
