As USS Abraham Lincoln Operates Nearby, Iran Sends Its “Aircraft Carrier” Into Open Waters

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has moved its so-called aircraft carrier Shahid Bagheri out to sea amid heightened internal and regional tensions, according to satellite imagery published by open-source analyst Mehdi H on January 28.

The images, dated January 26, show the vessel anchored roughly five kilometers south of the port of Bandar Abbas, a strategically sensitive area near the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian authorities have not officially explained the move. While the deployment could reflect routine sea trials, Ukrainian defense outlet Militarnyi noted that security considerations may also be a factor, including concerns over potential unrest in port areas or broader regional instability.

Shahid Bagheri was formally commissioned on February 6, 2025, but has made a few appearances at sea since then and did not take part in the recent Iran–Israel confrontation. Its first sea trials were conducted in November 2024.

The ship is described by Iranian sources as the country’s “first aircraft carrier,” though it is in fact a converted container vessel. Originally built as the Perarin, the roughly 240-meter-long ship was modified to support aviation operations, including the addition of a flight deck and a ski-jump ramp.

Because the original superstructure spans the full width of the hull, engineers were unable to adopt a conventional straight flight deck. Instead, the runway was installed at an angle to the ship’s longitudinal axis, a layout intended to provide sufficient takeoff and landing distance within the vessel’s structural limits.

The real-world effectiveness of this configuration remains unclear, as does the range of aircraft that could realistically operate from the ship. Available imagery and official statements suggest that Shahid Bagheri is designed primarily to support unmanned aerial vehicles and helicopters rather than fixed-wing combat aircraft.

Iranian media claim the vessel has a sea endurance rating of up to nine on the Beaufort scale and a stated range of approximately 22,000 nautical miles, theoretically allowing it to operate far from Iranian waters for extended periods without refueling. The usable flight deck is estimated to be about 180 meters long.

Reported armament includes eight Noor anti-ship missiles, eight Kowsar-222 surface-to-air missiles, a 30-mm automatic cannon, and—according to unconfirmed reports—two remotely operated 20-mm gun turrets.

The timing of the deployment has drawn attention as US naval forces continue operating in the wider region, adding to scrutiny of Iran’s efforts to project maritime power beyond its coastline.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump warned Iran to quickly negotiate what he called a “fair and equitable” nuclear deal or face a US attack “far worse” than last year’s strikes, after saying a US naval “armada” led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln was heading toward the country.

Support our team with a one-time or monthly donation

Every day we fight Russian disinformation and bring reports directly from the frontlines. Your help makes us stronger.

SUPPORT