Iranian warship test-fires container-based ballistic missile for first time

Iran's Revolutionary Guards test-fired a container-based ballistic missile for the first time from the Shahid Mahdavi multipurpose warship in the Gulf of Oman.

Major General Hossein Salami, commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), announced on February 12 that the force had successfully test-fired a long-range ballistic missile mounted on a warship. Video released the same day shows the missiles being launched from a container-mounted launcher on the deck of the Shahid Mahdavi warship.

According to Iranian media, this is the first time the IRGC has test-fired a ballistic missile from a warship in the Gulf of Oman. Two Fateh-series ballistic missiles, with a range of up to 1,700 km, hit their targets in the test.

"Our expeditionary warships can be present anywhere in the world . When we have the ability to launch missiles from these warships, no country that intends to threaten Iran can be safe," General Salami declared.

Iranian warship test-fires container-based ballistic missile for first time — Iran's Shahid Mahdavi warship launches a container-based ballistic missile in the Gulf of Oman on February 12. Video: *Tasnim*

The IRGC's maritime operations force announced in November 2020 plans to send a fleet, including its first expeditionary warship Shahid Mahdavi, to the northern Indian Ocean region.

The Shahid Mahdavi warship was converted from a container ship, is 240 m long, 32 m wide, and can operate helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The warship is equipped with air defense and surface-to-air missiles, along with advanced radar and communication systems.

On February 12, the IRGC conducted a simulated ballistic missile attack exercise on Israel's Palmachim air base south of Tel Aviv. According to the IRGC, Palmachim is the main base for the Israeli Air Force's F-35 stealth fighter jets.

Iran's missile test and drills come at a time of heightened regional tensions after the Israel-Hamas war broke out in October 2023. Iran has expressed support for Hamas, but has said it was not involved in or assisting the group in carrying out attacks on Israel.

During an event marking the 45th anniversary of Iran's Islamic Revolution on February 11, President Ebrahim Raisi accused Israel of "violating 400 declarations and resolutions of international organizations." Mr. Raisi called for Israel to be expelled from the United Nations and "to stop as soon as possible the bombing of the Gaza Strip."

Nguyen Tien (According to AFP )

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