IRGC Building Huge High-Speed Watercraft

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Naval Force is manufacturing a jumbo-sized version of a new high-speed military vessel that was brought into service in September, a top commander announced. Speaking to reporters in the northern city of Chalous, Mazandaran Province, on Tuesday, IRGC Naval Force Commander Rear Admiral Ali Fadavi said the new naval vessel, currently under construction, is a much bigger version of the Nazeri vessel, Tasnim News Agency reported.

The huge watercraft will be used for “special missions” in international waters, he added.

In mid-September, the IRGC unveiled a high-speed military vessel with the capability of carrying helicopters, named after Mohammad Nazeri —commander of the elite commando units of the IRGC Naval Force who was martyred in May.

It is the biggest Iranian aluminum-hulled ship with a length of 55 meters, which has an operational range of 10,000 kilometers. The Nazeri vessel can accommodate 100 passengers and carry a helicopter on board, with the capability of sailing in rough seas. The IRGC has in recent years acquired technical expertise in the production of speedboats.

Back in May 2015, Fadavi said his forces were testing military speedboats with a velocity of 110 knots.