Iran officially launched today (February 6th) the Shahid Behman Bagheri (C-110-4), as its first domestically produced UAV carrier. The unveiling ceremony, attended by Iran’s Chief of General Staff and the Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), featured a display of various UAVs, helicopters, and additional systems onboard the vessel. The ship’s defining feature is a specialized 180-meter-long angled deck, enabling the operation of UAVs of different sizes. At 240 meters in length, it is the largest vessel in service with the IRGC Navy, alongside the Shahid Mahdavi (C-110-3).
Originally built as a container ship in 2000 by Hyundai Shipyard in South Korea, the Bagheri previously operated under the names Silver Craft, Iran Kerman, and Perarin. The conversion of the vessel began in 2022 at the ISOICO shipyard near Bandar Abbas, with sea trials started in late 2024.
As previously detailed in our special report on the IRGC Navy last year, the Bagheri is part of a broader Iranian project to convert civilian vessels for military applications, including logistics, intelligence, and forward operating bases. While Iran has demonstrated the capability to launch UAVs from ships in the past, the Bagheri is the first vessel specifically designed for this role, featuring a dedicated runway and arrestor equipment for UAV landings as well as bellow-deck hangers and additional equipment.
The unveiling showcased a range of UAVs, including the Mohajer-6 (armed with Almas missiles), Ababil-3, Qaher 313 prototypes, Homa, and others. Notably, some UAVs displayed on deck appeared to be equipped with tail hooks for arrestor cable landings on short runways.
Photos and videos from the launch reveal that UAVs are stored in hangars below deck and are brought to the flight deck via a hydraulic elevator. Additionally, an enclosed hangar-like structure appears to have been installed behind the ship’s command bridge, likely for storage and maintenance.
Beyond its UAV and helicopter deployment capabilities, the Bagheri possesses a range of additional operational features. The ship is armed with several missile launchers carrying cruise and anti-ship missiles from the Noor, Qader, and Ghadir families, as well as several cannons, likely 20mm and 30mm in caliber. Imagery suggests the ship has the ability to carry and deploy armed fast attack boats, mini-submarines, or other submersible vessels. According to the IRGC Navy Commander, the Bagheri is also equipped with air defense systems, intelligence-gathering platforms, and advanced communications technology. Furthermore, onboard facilities include sport facilities, operation rooms, and a dental clinic.
The combination of these capabilities, along with the ship’s commercial maritime origins, significantly enhances Iran’s “blue-water” naval ambitions and long-range operational reach and capabilities. In practice, the Bagheri serves as a forward operating base for reconnaissance, intelligence, asymmetric warfare, logistical support, and other maritime operations.
