A significant milestone was achieved as, for the first time, two warships from the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy (IRIN) docked in Malaysia, an event characterized by the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) as an “operational visit.”
An official announcement shared on the RMN’s Facebook page indicated that the Iranian naval vessels making their debut in Malaysia are the auxiliary ship Shahid Mahdavi and the frigate IRINS Dena.
The RMN statement noted, “This marks the first arrival of two assets from the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy in Malaysia for an operational visit, specifically the auxiliary ship (ocean liner – 110-3) Shahid Mahdavi and the frigate I.R.I.N.S Dena.”
“This visit represents a historic moment that will lay the groundwork for enhancing bilateral relations between the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) and the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy moving forward. Welcome to Malaysia!” the statement further emphasized.
Captain Erman Shahril Adlan, the Director of Human Resource Development (RMN), led the delegation in welcoming the Iranian warships, accompanied by the RMN Central Band. The Ambassador of Iran to Malaysia, His Excellency Valiollah Mohammadi Nasrabadi, was also in attendance.
Notably, the Shahid Mahdavi, one of the visiting Iranian warships, is reported to function as a drone carrier under the operation of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN). It is one of only two known Iranian drone carriers, alongside the Shahid Bagheri.
International reports suggest that both vessels are designed as multi-role warships intended to extend Iranian naval influence beyond its territorial waters. Originally constructed as a container ship by Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan, South Korea, in 2000, the Shahid Mahdavi has previously been known by several names, including Iran Isfahan, Sarita, Dandle, Twelfth Ocean, and Sarvin.
In July 2021, the vessel was converted into a warship at Shahid Darvishi Marine Industries located near Bandar Abbas, with its official commissioning taking place in March 2023.
Technical Specifications of Shahid Mahdavi:
– Length: 240 meters
– Beam: 32 meters
– Displacement: 36,000 to 40,000 tons
– Maximum Speed: 18 knots
– Operational Range: Up to 18,000 nautical miles without refueling
– Propulsion: MAN B&W engines producing 29,000 kW
In addition to serving as a drone carrier, Shahid Mahdavi, along with its sister ship Shahid Bagheri, is armed with a diverse range of weaponry, which includes:
– Naval guns
– Anti-ship missiles
– Cruise missiles
– Air defense systems
– Fast attack boats equipped with rockets
Both drone carriers are also outfitted with 3D Phased Array radar and electronic warfare systems, significantly enhancing their operational effectiveness.
Images released by Iranian media in mid-2024 indicated that Shahid Bagheri, recognized as Iran’s inaugural drone carrier, has been fitted with a “ski jump” launch system, akin to those utilized on the Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov and the UK’s Queen Elizabeth-class carriers.
High-ranking Iranian military officials have asserted that drone carriers such as Shahid Mahdavi and Shahid Bagheri will operate as mobile maritime cities, capable of supporting long-range naval missions for extended durations. Both vessels are reportedly able to remain at sea for up to a year without the need for resupply, thereby reinforcing Iran’s maritime capabilities.
Rear Admiral Ali Reza Tangsiri, the Commander of the IRGCN, has stated that the vessels will bolster Iran’s strategic maritime goals by ensuring the stability of Sea Lines of Communication (SLOC) and providing support to Iranian fishing boats and regional commercial vessels in distress.
Reports from Iranian media indicate that the Shahid Mahdavi and Shahid Bagheri drone carriers will significantly improve Iran’s reconnaissance and strike capabilities, particularly through the use of suicide drones. Among the drones expected to be launched from these ships is the Shahed-136, an Iranian loitering munition that has also been utilized by Russian forces in Ukraine.
With a range estimated between 2,000 km and 2,500 km, the Shahed-136 represents a considerable threat to merchant and naval vessels operating in the area. By integrating drone warfare with naval operations, Iran seeks to expand its military influence beyond its maritime boundaries, thereby strengthening its strategic position in the Persian Gulf, Indian Ocean, and beyond.
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