Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has unveiled a new high-speed missile boat named '27 Rajab', showcasing a naval strategy focused on asymmetric warfare in the Persian Gulf. The vessel was presented during a public ceremony at Tehran's Enghelab Square, even as diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran continue.
Specifications and Capabilities
The '27 Rajab' is designed to combine speed, manoeuvrability, and long-range strike capability. According to Iranian media reports, the craft can travel at up to 100 knots (approximately 185 kilometres per hour) and is equipped with two sea-launched cruise missiles with a reported range of 700 kilometres. The boat features a trimaran hull design and is claimed to be capable of operating in waves up to three metres high. Iran's semi-official Fars news agency described the unveiling as a demonstration of the country's maritime military capabilities.
Strategic Doctrine
The significance of the '27 Rajab' lies not only in its specifications but also in the military doctrine it represents. Rather than matching larger navies ship for ship, the IRGC has spent decades investing in fleets of small, fast and heavily armed vessels capable of launching coordinated attacks against larger warships. Military analysts often refer to this concept as the 'mosquito fleet' strategy. It is particularly suited to the narrow waters of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route where large naval vessels face limited room to manoeuvre.
Timing and Regional Context
The timing of the unveiling is likely to draw attention across the region. It comes days after the United States announced new shipping measures for the Strait of Hormuz and carried out strikes against Iranian vessels operating nearby. The IRGC Navy operates separately from Iran's conventional navy and is primarily responsible for security operations in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. While the regular navy focuses on larger warships and submarines, the IRGC has built its reputation around fast attack craft, coastal missile systems and unconventional maritime tactics.
