Iran’s Defensive Preparations for Maritime Aggressors / Five Key Features of Iran’s Strategic Defense in the Persian Gulf

According to Rokna, the Navy of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps conducted the “Smart Control of the Strait of Hormuz” exercise along with joint drills with Russia to display its defensive strength in regional waters. These maneuvers sent a clear message to opponents that Iran is fully prepared to confront any threat. The recent exercises featured several notable characteristics, which are outlined below.

Sea-Based Defense: The Core of Iran’s Defensive Strategy

A key aspect of the recent exercises was the emphasis on sea-based defense, a foundational concept in the Islamic Republic of Iran’s defensive strategy.

• Defensive Nature: Asymmetric responses to various threats

• Operational Areas: Focus on the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, and the Indian Ocean

• Key Forces: Iranian Navy and IRGC Navy

• IRIN Tactics: Operations in deep waters using large vessels

• IRGC Methods: Utilization of fast attack boats, submarines, and asymmetric combat tactics

Strategic Missile Vessels

The deployment of missile-equipped vessels forms a crucial part of Iran’s defensive capability in its southern waters.

• Development: Indigenous vessel production

• Operational Models:

  • “Shahid Hasan Bagheri” vessel

  • “Shahid Sayyad Shirazi” vessel

• Highlight: First large vessels produced by the IRGC Shipbuilding Industries

• Technical Specifications:

  • Operational range: 5,500 nautical miles (9,500 km)

  • Hull type: Advanced catamaran

  • Speed: 32 knots

  • Weight: 600 tons

  • Surface-to-surface missile range: Over 700 km

  • Air defense system range: Over 90 km

  • Special equipment: Capability to carry three missile boats, vertical missile silos

Iranian Drone Carrier: A New Step in Military Capabilities

The drone carrier “Shahid Bahman Bagheri,” designed for both offensive and defensive applications, represents one of the newest achievements of Iran’s armed forces. The vessel was added to the IRGC’s naval assets last year with exceptional features.

• Type: Drone carrier

• Length: 240 meters

• Width: 32 meters

• Weight: 4,200 tons

• Armament: 8 surface-to-air missiles and 8 anti-ship missiles

• Special Equipment: Formation of drone, helicopter, and submarine combat groups

• Flight Deck: 180-meter runway

• Equipped Teams: Electronic warfare and diving units

• Additional Facilities: Advanced medical and missile launch platforms

Sayyad 3-G Missile: A Transformation in Iran’s Air Defense

The long-range air defense missile “Sayyad 3-G” was unveiled and fired for the first time during the recent exercises.

• Range: Up to 150 km

• Feature: Vertical launch

• Significance: Expands naval air defense from point defense to long-range coverage

• Capability: Establishes a regional air defense bubble

Short-Range Systems in Sea-Based Defense

Iranian armed forces also utilize short-range systems that play a critical role in enhancing defensive capabilities.

• Navab Missile: Short-range vertical-launch version

• Mehrab Missile: Iranian version of the HAWK missile with a 50 km range

• Sayyad 2: Upgraded short-range air defense missile

• Air Defense Artillery: Including Fajr-27 and close-range systems such as Kamand