IRGC’s indigenous Shahid Mahdavi warship sails into Southern Hemisphere
A domestically-developed oceangoing warship operated by Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy has crossed the line of zero degrees latitude, the Equator, and sailed into the Southern Hemisphere.
The Shahid Mahdavi, which is a multipurpose vessel designed for long-range operations, registered the achievement on Friday as Iran's naval forces are expanding their presence in the international waters and high seas.
The 2,100-tonne vessel, which is 240 meters in length and 27 meters in width, joined the IRGC’s naval fleet in March 2023.
The oceangoing warship is equipped with a three-dimensional phased array radar, sea-to-sea and sea-to-air missiles, and sophisticated telecommunication systems for electronic warfare.
The Shahid Mahdavi is capable of carrying various types of attack helicopters, combat drones as well as fast attack craft.
In February 2024, the IRGC Navy launched two ballistic missiles from inside two containers on board the warship.
Iranian military experts and engineers have in recent years made remarkable breakthroughs in manufacturing a broad range of indigenous equipment, making the armed forces self-sufficient.
Iranian officials say the Islamic Republic will not hesitate to strengthen its military capabilities, including its missile power, which are entirely meant for defense.
Iran has made it clear that its defense capabilities are not subject to negotiation. Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has repeatedly called for efforts to maintain and boost Iran’s defense capabilities.
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