Iran Deploys Drone Carrier to Counter US Fleet in Hormuz

Iran has deployed its first drone carrier, the Shahid Bagheri, to the Gulf region in a move signaling heightened tensions with the United States. The deployment comes as a US naval fleet approaches the area, raising concerns about a potential escalation of conflict in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

The Shahid Bagheri, commissioned on February 6, 2025, is a converted 42,000-ton container ship, originally named Prairin. The vessel boasts a 240-meter length and 32-meter width, and features a 180-meter runway designed to facilitate drone operations. Like aircraft carriers, the ship is equipped with a jump platform to assist with drone launches.

The carrier is capable of carrying up to 60 drones and 30 missile boats. It is armed with eight Qadir-class anti-ship missiles with a range of 17 kilometers, as well as launchers for Khad’r and Nasir series anti-ship missiles.

Iran’s military strength increasingly relies on drones and missile technology. The country possesses a substantial arsenal of drones capable of overwhelming enemy defenses at a relatively low cost. Analysts suggest that these drones could pose a significant threat to warships, including aircraft carriers. This deployment of the drone carrier is therefore seen as a direct response to the US naval presence.

Furthermore, Iran’s missiles are specifically designed to target naval vessels. Reports have long circulated alleging that Iran provides missiles and drones to allied militant groups for attacks against ships. The effectiveness of Iran’s strategy of utilizing low-cost drones is underscored by the fact that even if only some of the hundreds of drones launched reach their targets, they can still inflict considerable damage, as noted by Cameron Chell, CEO of drone manufacturer DragonFly.