Experts Say Iran’s New Drone Carrier Poses Limited Threat to Israel
Iran’s unveiling of its first drone carrier, the Shahid Bagheri, has sparked debate over its impact on regional security. In his in-depth report for The Media Line, Nathan Klabin examines the vessel’s capabilities and its potential threat to Israel and other adversaries. The carrier, a converted commercial ship, has been refitted to deploy drones and helicopters, extending Iran’s operational reach. While experts acknowledge its strategic significance, they argue that its offensive and deterrent value remains limited.
Farzin Nadimi, an Iran navy expert at the Washington Institute, told The Media Line that while the vessel enhances Iran’s maritime surveillance and drone-launching capabilities, it is highly vulnerable in combat. “It produces too large a footprint for any covert operation and lacks adequate protection, making it vulnerable to modern anti-ship weapons,” Nadimi said. Shahin Modarres, an analyst at the International Team for the Study of Security Verona, echoed this view, stating that Israeli air and naval forces could easily track and neutralize the ship in a conflict scenario.
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Despite its limitations, the Shahid Bagheri could raise concerns among Gulf states like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which have been targeted by Iranian drones in the past. Modarres noted that the vessel’s deployment may be seen as an escalation, prompting regional actors to bolster their naval defenses.
For a deeper analysis of Iran’s naval expansion and its strategic implications, read Nathan Klabin’s full report at The Media Line.
