Iranian Navy Welcomes Its First Publicly Acknowledged Intelligence Ship

Iran’s Navy has welcomed its first publicly acknowledged signals intelligence ship, Zagros.

The vessel was commissioned on January 15, 2025, in a ceremony attended by the commander of the Iranian Navy, Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, and Defence Minister Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh.

The Zagros is similar to Iran’s Moudge-class frigate but has been modified for intelligence and surveillance missions. Unlike its sister ships, it does not carry surface warfare weapons, and even the deck gun has been removed.

However, it features a helicopter hangar, making it one of the few Iranian warships capable of supporting long-range aviation and anti-submarine operations.

According to Iranian state media, the Zagros is equipped with advanced electronic, electromagnetic, and cyber systems. It is designed to perform both reconnaissance and combat roles.

Rear Admiral Irani called it the Navy’s “watchful eye” in international waters and said it would help protect the Indian and Pacific oceans.

Reports reveal that the Zagros was built with entirely domestic technology.

Iran’s Navy received the first homegrown intelligence destroyer named ‘Zagros’ on Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/LHI9qNqgRn

— Mehr News Agency (@MehrnewsCom) January 15, 2025

Video Credits: Mehr News Agency/X (Twitter)

Besides this Iran is conducting two-month-long military exercises, including drills to defend key sites like the Natanz nuclear facility from simulated missile and drone attacks.

The government has also announced plans to increase its military budget by 200% to counter growing threats.

The Zagros will join the other intelligence ships like the Saviz and Behshad, which are believed to be operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

These ships have been linked to Iran’s support for the Houthi forces in Yemen, including providing targeting data during the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden conflicts.

Western analysts say these activities are part of Iran’s “Axis of Resistance” strategy.

The IRGC’s intelligence ships have been attacked in recent years. The Saviz was damaged by an Israeli Iimpet mine in 2021, and the Behshad suffered a U.S. cyberattack last year.

Additionally, Iran has also delivered 1,000 new drones to its army. Iranian leaders have praised these advancements, hoping they will honour past sacrifices and meet the expectations of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

References: Reuters, NOURNews

Source: Maritime Shipping News