According to reports from the port of Bandar Abbas, as the Israeli Air Force struck Iranian UAV warehouses on land and in containers aboard ships docked at the port, Iran’s electronic intelligence-gathering ship Zagros was also attacked.
This ship is the first of its kind built entirely by Iran’s domestic defense industry.
Although Iran immediately blamed Israel for the attack, a senior Israeli source denied that Israel had targeted the spy ship.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that Israel attacked the Iranian navy stationed in Bandar Abbas and destroyed several Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps vessels. Initial claims say the Zagros was destroyed, but with internet access in Iran cut off, official confirmation is still unavailable.
About the Zagros spy ship:
As described by the Israeli military news site Israel Defense, Zagros is Iran’s first indigenously built SIGINT (Signals Intelligence) ship and marks a significant leap in the country’s naval intelligence capabilities. Unlike most SIGINT ships that are converted from commercial vessels, Zagros is based on an Iranian Mowj-class warship hull, giving it more space for sensors and operators, and enhanced power generation.
Equipped with electronic sensors to intercept and decode radio signals from hostile sources, the ship features seven prominent radar domes containing satellite and communications antennas. It’s also believed to have cyber warfare capabilities, although details remain classified.
A helipad and hangar onboard allow for helicopter operations, boosting the ship’s operational range and versatility.
The unveiling of Zagros coincided with Iranian military drills aimed at defending nuclear facilities, hinting that this vessel is part of a broader strategy to bolster Iran’s regional defenses.
Though specific technical capabilities are unclear, the Zagros represents a significant advancement in Iran’s naval intelligence efforts and could enhance its presence in international waters.