The United States has used kamikaze drone boats in combat for the first time, striking Iranian naval facilities at Bandar Abbas Naval Base, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM). The attack marked the first operational use of unmanned surface vessels as offensive weapons by American forces. The strike comes amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran over control of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
CENTCOM said three Saronic Corsair unmanned surface vessels carried out coordinated strikes on a submarine and ship maintenance facility on July 12. The US military described the operation as part of a broader campaign targeting dozens of Iranian military sites. According to CENTCOM, the attack significantly reduced Iran’s ability to launch operations against commercial shipping in the Gulf.
Read more: US–Iran war reignites with major strikes
Video released by the US military showed the drone boats speeding toward the naval installation before exploding on impact. CENTCOM said the operation represented a major advancement in the US Navy’s growing use of autonomous maritime systems during military operations. The latest strike follows continued attacks and counterattacks linked to the ongoing confrontation between the United States and Iran.
The operation comes as President Donald Trump intensifies pressure on Iran over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy corridors. Trump has proposed charging transit fees for vessels using the waterway, arguing the measure would counter Iran’s own actions since the conflict began earlier this year. The renewed fighting has heightened concerns over regional security and global energy supplies.
Read more: Trump renews Iran port blockade, warns of more strikes
The Bandar Abbas strike also highlights the expanding role of unmanned naval technology in modern warfare. Last month, a Saronic Corsair drone boat helped rescue the crew of a US Army AH-64 Apache helicopter that crashed in the Gulf of Oman, marking the first known use of an unmanned surface vessel in a search-and-rescue mission. Military analysts say the latest operation signals a new phase in the deployment of autonomous naval systems during combat.