According to the state-supported Tasnim agency, the Iranian Navy’s Southern Fleet commissioned the Makran forward base ship and 5th Sina-class Fast Attacking Craft named Zereh (Armor) with a ceremony on 13th January.
The ceremony was conducted on the first day of a naval drill dubbed Eqtedar (Power) and be attended by Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Hossein Baqeri, Army Commander Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, and other senior commanders.
Makran, the country’s largest military vessel, can carry seven helicopters, according to Navy Commander Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi back in September.
It could provide support for the Navy’s forces and warships in high seas, especially in the Northern Indian Ocean, Bab el-Mandeb Strait and Red Sea.
Sina class ships have been “heavily updated” in comparison to the French-made La Combattante IIa class. As of 2012, reportedly 10 ships were planned in this class. They have equipped with four box launchers with C-802 or Noor, as well as one 76mm gun.
