Iran has just unveiled its first aircraft carrier, the Shahed BAGI, a significant development that could reshape the balance of power in the region. Released images and video by state media showcase this groundbreaking vessel, which marks a bold step for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in its quest for enhanced maritime capabilities. The Shahed BAGI features an angled flight deck and a ski jump launch system, reminiscent of advanced Russian and British carriers, but it has been constructed on a shoestring budget by converting a commercial container ship.

Measuring 240 meters in length and 21 meters in height, the carrier is equipped to launch and recover up to 60 drones, alongside helicopters and missiles. This development comes at a time when Iran is increasingly relying on drone technology for military operations, particularly in conflict zones across the Middle East. The strategic implications are enormous, as these drones have demonstrated advanced capabilities, including stealth features that allow them to evade sophisticated air defense systems.

However, analysts warn that the Shahed BAGI’s effectiveness may be hampered by Iran’s lack of modern surface combat ships, leaving the carrier vulnerable to missile strikes from adversaries. Despite these limitations, the potential for drone operations from this carrier could bolster Iran’s influence, particularly in supporting allied forces in Syria and beyond.

As tensions escalate in the region, the launch of the Shahed BAGI signals Iran’s determination to assert its military presence on the high seas. The IRGC’s ambitions do not stop here, as plans for a second drone carrier, the Shahid Madhabi, are already in the works. The world watches closely as Iran takes this audacious leap into naval warfare, raising concerns about future confrontations and the shifting dynamics of military power in the Middle East.