Iran’s new warship dismissed as ‘vanity project’
Country trumpets arrival of new 'aircraft carrier' but analysis indicates that purported capabilities might not be all that are claimed.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGC(N)) announced a new addition to its fleet on 19 November with the unveiling of a large, multirole surface combatant, with claims from state media outlet IRNA that it can host fighters, helicopters, fast boats and ASuW/AAW missile systems.
Officially named Shahid Rudaki, the vessel, dubbed an ‘ocean-going, aircraft carrier warship’ by state media, is 150m in length and 22m at the beam. Released images indicate the Shahid Rudaki could have been derived from a Handysize-type merchant vessel.
The foredeck appears to have four two-cell launch canisters installed, possibly for Noor anti-ship missiles,
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Fincantieri joins roster of major companies working to protect undersea cables]()
Fincantieri joins roster of major companies working to protect undersea cables
The group’s collaboration with network provider Sparkle is the latest move to improve the robustness of submarine cable networks.
-
![US Coast Guard acquires icebreaker, and gets approval for Polar cutter]()
US Coast Guard acquires icebreaker, and gets approval for Polar cutter
The investment will help the US move towards its prescribed Arctic requirement.
-
![Saab signs modernisation deal for Sweden’s coastal anti-ship missile capability]()
Saab signs modernisation deal for Sweden’s coastal anti-ship missile capability
Sweden’s Baltic coastal defence will be upgraded with new missile options.
-
![South Korea chooses LIG Nex1 for reconnaissance USV]()
South Korea chooses LIG Nex1 for reconnaissance USV
The uncrewed surface vessel was secured with a DAPA contract.
-
![Pakistan Navy takes second OPV 2600 vessel from Damen]()
Pakistan Navy takes second OPV 2600 vessel from Damen
The PNS Yamama completes the class of maritime security vessels.
