Iran's Revolutionary Guards have received the country's first ship, Shahid Bahman Baqeri designed to launch drones and helicopters at sea, according to a report from the semi-official Tasnim news agency on Thursday.

As part of military drills running from early January to early March, Iran's armed forces have showcased new weapons while preparing for increased tensions with Israel and the United States under President Donald Trump.

Alireza Tangsiri, the Navy Commander of the Revolutionary Guards, mentioned, "The Revolutionary Guards took action to transform a commercial ship... into a mobile naval platform capable of carrying out drone and helicopter missions in the oceans".

"The addition of this ship to our fleet is an important step in increasing the defence and deterrence capability of Iran in distant waters and in maintaining our national security interests," Alireza Tangsiri said further.

The state news agency IRNA reports that the vessel can carry up to 60 drones. The Shahid Beheshti, previously a container ship, features a 180-meter (590-ft) runway and has the capability to operate for up to a year without needing to refuel, according to Tasnim. He also described it as the "largest naval military project" in any Islamic Republic’s history.

During the unveiling ceremony, Guards chief Hossein Salami stated that Iran does not aim to threaten other nations, “but we will not bow to the threat of any power.” He also mentioned that Iran “will not engage in any wars with the governments we recognise.”

The ship stands apart from earlier Revolutionary Guards warships due to its ability to launch and recover larger drones, including the Qaher, a miniaturised drone modelled after a local fighter jet.

In addition to this, the warship is equipped with fast-attack boats, uncrewed submarines, and short-range anti-ship cruise missiles. Furthermore, Iran’s conventional navy added its first signals intelligence ship to its fleet last month.