Fri Dec 13 15:45:46 UTC 2024: ## Iran Unveils New Drone Carrier Ship, Defying Sanctions

**Bandar Abbas, Iran** – Satellite imagery confirms Iran’s deployment of a new drone carrier ship, the *Shahid Bagheri*, in the Persian Gulf. The vessel, a repurposed container ship, features a ski-jump ramp similar to those on aircraft carriers, though its shorter length suggests its primary purpose is launching and recovering drones. The *Shahid Bagheri*, along with two sister ships, the *Shahid Roudaki* and *Shahid Mahdavi*, were observed off the Iranian naval port of Bandar Abbas. The images, obtained by NDTV from Maxar Technologies, show the ships conducting what are believed to be initial sea trials following modifications at the Iran Shipyard and Offshore Industries (ISOICO) shipyard.

The *Shahid Bagheri*’s construction, captured in Maxar’s satellite imagery from February to November 2024, reveals a significant refit including the removal of the ship’s superstructure and the addition of the ski-jump ramp. While the *Shahid Bagheri* is designed to handle drones requiring runway takeoff, the *Shahid Roudaki* and *Shahid Mahdavi* are equipped to handle vertical takeoff and landing drones. The *Shahid Roudaki*, notably, also carries helicopters and missile launchers.

These drone carriers represent a significant advancement in Iran’s naval capabilities, allowing for the deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles closer to conflict zones. Iran has a history of developing and exporting armed drones, including the Shahed 129 and Mohajer 6, which have been used in various conflicts across the Middle East and even in Ukraine.

The appearance of these new ships comes amidst claims by US Representative Jeff Van Drew of Iranian drones being spotted over New Jersey. However, Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh has refuted these claims, stating there is no evidence of Iranian vessels off the US coast or of adversary drones targeting US installations. The Pentagon attributed the New Jersey sightings to non-foreign sources and said no threat was posed.

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