TEHRAN – The Shahid Mahdavi naval squadron run by the IRGC Navy has returned to Iran’s territorial waters after a 57-day voyage.

The squadron was welcomed by IRGG Navy chief Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri.

The naval fleet had visited South African waters to participate in the BRICS military drills.

It was the eighth squadron operated by the IRGC Navy that was sent to the open seas.

It has been three days since the squadron returned from a long voyage. Its voyage covered half of the globe.

It voyaged 10,700 miles (about 18,000 kilometers).  It is the first time the Mahdavi squadron, accompanied by the Naqdi destroyer and IRIS Makran, has set a naval record in the history of the IRGC. By participating in the BRICS drills, the squadron marked a milestone in Iran’s presence in international waters.

It was the first navigational experience of the IRGC Navy in the Atlantic Ocean in the southern hemisphere. During the voyage, IRGC Navy officers faced highly volatile weather conditions and waves as long as 20 meters.

The Shahid Mahdavi squadron is capable of carrying large numbers of reconnaissance and offensive drones. It is also capable of launching 1000-kilometer cruise missiles.

Actually, it serves as a floating naval base for the IRGC Navy’s offensive ships.

An IRGC Navy officer said, “No longer are open seas outside our reach, and we are waiting for an order from the commander-in-chief to attend any waters around the globe.”

Now, by being able to send warships to open seas - such as the Indian Ocean and the Malacca and Bab el-Mandeb Straits - for a long period, Iran is demonstrating its power to safeguard its strategic interests in the seas. 

Admiral Tangsiri has said the foes must know that "iron-willed and faithful" naval forces from the Army and the IRGC cross the seas on the order of their Leader.