TEHRAN – The Shahid Mahdavi, an Iranian warship equipped with both long-range ballistic and cruise missiles, has returned from a 39-day mission.

The fleet was welcomed by IRGC Navy Commander Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri and several other Iranian commanders on Saturday.

Rear Admiral Tangsiri highlighted during the welcoming ceremony, "This is the first time that the brave men of the IRGC Navy have crossed the prime meridian and the equator, entering the southern hemisphere."

He credited the success of these missions to the unity and synergy among Iran's armed forces. 

"Today, the Army and IRGC Navy, relying on faith, firm determination, and utilizing advanced and deterrent defensive and military capabilities, have become a major force, opposing the regional and extra-regional enemies," he stated.

Commissioned into the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps Navy in March 2023, the Shahid Mahdavi boasts formidable dimensions, weighing over 2100 tonnes, with an impressive length of 240 meters and a width of 27 meters. 

This multipurpose warship is designed for long-range operations and is outfitted with missiles, air defense systems, and advanced radar technology.

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 warship possesses a versatile capability, including the capacity to carry various types of attack helicopters, combat drones, and fast attack craft.

The vessel gained global attention in February 2024 when official reports confirmed the launch of ballistic missiles, meticulously fired from within containers, each boasting an approximate range of 1,700 kilometers (1,050 miles).

IRGC Commander Major General Hossein Salami had previously announced that the missile carrier warships extended the IRGC’s range of influence and naval power up to any desired spot in the world.

“Our oceangoing warships can be present in every location across the world, and when we can fire missiles from them, there is accordingly no safe spot for anyone intending to create insecurity for us,” the IRGC chief stated.

In recent years, Iranian military specialists and engineers have achieved notable advancements in producing a diverse array of domestically developed equipment, fostering self-reliance within the armed forces.

Officials from Iran affirm their commitment to enhancing the nation's military capabilities, particularly in missile technology, emphasizing their defensive nature.

Iran unequivocally states that negotiations will not affect its defense capabilities. Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, consistently emphasizes the importance of maintaining and enhancing Iran's defense capabilities.