Tehran – The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) navy announced a fleet of domestically designed warships and high-speed missile ships at a ceremony in Bandar Abbas, combining Iran’s historic rebellion with cutting-edge naval capabilities.
Martian Rayz Ali Delvali warships and more than two dozen rapid attack vessels, commissioned on Thursday, highlight the country’s focus on expanding its self-reliant defense and operational scope since the Persian Gulf.
The new warship, named after Reis Ali Delvalli, a revolutionary leader who mobilized resistance against British occupation forces during World War I, represents the spirit of Iran’s enduring sovereignty.
Delvalli, who was martyred during the clash at Bucher in 1915, remains celebrated against colonial power. Born in Delbar village, his leadership unites various tribes and leads to important battles like the Battle of Tangestan against the British army.
His memorial as a symbol of resilience serves as a reminder of Iran’s colonial struggle.
IRGC Navy Secretary Admiral Alireza Tangsiri highlighted the legacy at the ceremony. “Just as Ray Ali Delvali opposed foreign attacks, the vessel embodies its determination to protect Iran’s water with its own strength.”
Technical prowess: range, speed, firepower
Equipped with helicopter pads and capacity of three missile launch boats, the Reis Alidel Valli Warship has a range of 5,000 noutical miles and a top speed of 32 knots.
Current armaments include Iran-designed missiles in a range of 300km, but the system is upgradeable to accommodate missiles reaching 750km.
Complementing the warship is the newly announced Fast Attack Craft (FAC), which reaches a reach speed of 110 knots (203 km/h), which analysts describe as a “game changer for coastal warfare.”
These agile ships are armed with anti-ship cruise missiles and are designed to amplify Iran’s asymmetric naval strategies.
“Speed expands the range of missiles,” explained Tangsiri, noting that by firing projectiles from high-speed platforms, the IRGC can “slash a target that is accurately far away even if it exceeds the nominal missile range.”
The warship commission signalled Tehran’s ambition to project forces far beyond the coastline, following the 2023 deployment of Shahid Mahdavi, a vessel capable of radio-vision around the world.
Rais Ali Delvari’s missile system could include a variant of the Fateh-1110, further increasing Iran’s ability to monitor the security of critical chokepoints, such as the Hormuz Strait. This is the conduit for 20% of the world’s oil trade.
“A new era of strength”
IRGC commander Major Hossein Salami linked his progress to Iran’s broader military doctrine.
“Our naval forces now have outstanding air defense capabilities and ensure control in all maritime conflicts,” he declared, adding that Iran’s presence in international waters reflects “a new era of speed, accuracy and strength defined by indigenous innovation.”
“All the bolts and missiles on this warship were built by Iran,” Salami claimed that he explained the launch as a responsibilities to sanctions and foreign pressure.
The ceremony comes as the IRGC Navy begins to begin transitioning from the Coastal Defence Force to the Blue Water Fleet. The senior commander emphasizes his preparations to “protect Iran’s interests from the Gulf of Aden to the Indian Ocean.”