TEHRAN -- The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy chief Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri says the IRGC has begun constructing guided missile-capable vessels.
Tangsiri touched on the construction of 67-meter aluminum vessels made from soft alloys in the country, saying only a few countries have the capability to build such vessels. 
“Additionally, we have established knowledge-based companies and are collaborating with 103 knowledge-based institutes and 32 universities,” he said.
“We are fully aware of enemy threats and are preparing ourselves to confront them. Therefore, it is essential to dedicate time around the clock to research.”
Highlighting the IRGC’s significant progress made in research and development in the field of military equipment, he said, “As a force that relies on advanced equipment and operates based on technical expertise, the IRGC Navy must adhere to research and scientific principles.”
Iran’s rapid progress in the field of defense has taken the big powers by surprise and the latest to startle them are the drone carriers equipped with advanced technology and carrying a variety of missiles.
Shaheed Bagheri, Shaheed Mahdavi and Shaheed Roudaki are the latest addition to the Islamic Republic of Iran’s steadily expanding fleet capable of operating on the high seas in long distance missions.
In recent days, Western media is abuzz with what they have reported as satellite images reviewed by Maxar Technologies showing a new Iranian ship with the capability of launching drones.
The new drone ship, called Shahid Bagheri, is anchored offshore of the Iranian naval port of Bandar Abbas in the Persian Gulf, they say.
The Shahid Bagheri left home port in late November and is conducting its first sea trial, according to Maxar, which says the ship has a net-covered drone on deck.
Accompanying the drone ship are two other vessels that appear to be similarly modified, the Shahid Mahdavi and Shahid Roudaki, it added.
Additional photos provided by the company detail how the ships were modified and constructed at a nearby Iranian shipyard, including the addition of a ski-jump ramp and angled flight deck that can be used to launch and recover drones.
Despite facing years of sanctions from the West, especially from the US, Iran has managed to produce its fleet of armed drones that have even cruised as far as Europe.
Iran’s drones have already made a mark on the international scene and in spite of the West’s wild accusations they have not worsened any of the crises plaguing the world.
Iran’s navy has also circumnavigated the world and is now planning a mission to ice covered Antarctica at the South Pole.

This shows the power and resolve of the Islamic Republic to not just safeguard its security but also promote peace and stability around the globe, in sharp contrast to the mischief-mongering and war-mongering policies of Washington.
The maritime activities of Iran also play a vital role in the trade and commercial sector, with vessels equipped with the latest technology to escort merchant ships through troubled waters and ward off pirates that prey on unprotected vessels.