The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy has received three domestically-manufactured vessels equipped with sophisticated air defense systems.
The ships were handed over at a ceremony in the port city of Bandar Abbas off the southern coast of Iran.
One of the newly-commissioned vessels is an advanced patrol ship with a vertical launch system for firing short and mid-range missiles.
Named in honor of lieutenant-general Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in a US drone strike in 2020, the multi-hulled warship can transport helicopters and launch vertical take-off and landing drones.
It can also reportedly launch strike speed boats.
The navy also received two missile-launching speed boats bearing the names of Iranian “martyrs” Rouhi and Dara.
🔴 و حالا؛ شناور شهید سلیمانی پس از ماهها انتظار! pic.twitter.com/gZIVc7AZ96
— Mohammad Shaltouki | محمد شلتوکی (@mohshaltouki) September 5, 2022
Equipped With Stealth Technology
Speaking during the turnover ceremony on Monday, Iranian Armed Forces Chief of Staff Mohammad Hossein Baqeri said that the Soleimani can easily navigate in rough seas.
The vessel also utilizes stealth technology, significantly reducing the distance at which it can be detected.
The ship is reportedly capable of long-distance missions powered by four domestically-developed, high-performance engines.
The Soleimani is expected to increase the Iranian Navy’s presence in remote waters.
Radar-Evading Speed Boats
IRGC Navy Commander Rear Admiral Ali Reza Tangsiri explained that the country’s new speed boats are designed to avoid enemy radar, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment manufactured by “domestic knowledge-based companies.”
Tangsiri also claimed that the speed of IRGC Navy speed boats has increased from 55 knots (101 kilometers/63 miles per hour) to 90 knots (166 kilometers/103 miles per hour).
