Iran’s new advanced warship will establish ‘strong presence’ in high seas

The commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy says the newly unveiled Shahid Soleimani warship will enable the IRGC Navy to establish a “strong presence” in high seas.

Brigadier General Alireza Tangsiri said in remarks publicized on Saturday that the name of Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani, who was assassinated by the US military in 2020, will resonate through all seas and oceans across the globe with Shahid (martyr) Soleimani warship joining the IRGC Navy’ combat fleets.

Tangsiri explained that the homegrown vessel, which is 67 meters long and 18 meters wide, enjoys various features, including stable balance in international waters, carrying helicopters, electronic warfare systems, air defense systems, and missile launchers of different classes.

“Today, with the addition of Martyr Haj Qassem Soleimani vessel to the IRGC Navy’s combat organization, the name of this high-ranking martyr resonates through all seas and oceans. They (enemies) will have to call out the name of Martyr Soleimani whenever it is necessary,” he said.

He called Shahid Soleimani warship a source of pride for the country, pointing out that every single component of the vessel has been produced by Iranian scientists and technicians in the IRGC and knowledge-based companies. They intended to materialize Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei’s order to “neutralize the sanctions,” he said.

The IRGC Navy unveiled the patrol-combat vessel last Monday, during a ceremony in the southern Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas.

Shahid Soleimani military watercraft is equipped with radar-evading stealth technology and has a much higher maneuverability and a much smaller turning radius compared to vessels of the same size, enabling it to implement various offensive and defensive missions.

The vessel runs on four indigenous high-power engines, which give it the chance to be quickly dispatched to the designated zone, and go on long-haul maritime missions without the need for coastal support as it defends the interests of the Islamic Republic in the high seas.

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