The United States has deployed kamikaze drones to attack Iranian naval facilities for the first time, marking a new chapter in unmanned warfare. Over the weekend, three Saronic Corsair drone boats struck a submarine and ship maintenance facility at Bandar Abbas Naval Base on 12 July, according to the US Central Command (CENTCOM).
First Combat Use of Uncrewed Surface Vessels
The series of attacks represents the first time the US military has used uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) as strike weapons in combat. CENTCOM described the operation as part of wider actions against what it called ‘dozens’ of Iranian targets. In a statement posted on Facebook, CENTCOM said: ‘Yesterday, using multiple one-way attack surface drones, CENTCOM forces successfully struck a submarine and ship maintenance facility in Iran. Three Corsair unmanned surface vessels hit the port at Bandar Abbas Naval Base, marking the first time American forces have employed sea drones in combat operations. Last night’s strikes degraded Iran’s ability to continue attacking commercial shipping.’
Escalating Tensions Over Strait of Hormuz
The announcement comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran over the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway through which a significant proportion of the world’s oil shipments pass. US President Donald Trump has claimed the US will extract fees from those transiting the strait, as Iran has done since the beginning of hostilities earlier this year. The use of kamikaze drones signals a new phase in the conflict, leveraging advanced unmanned technology to target Iranian military infrastructure.
Previous Rescue Mission Highlights Drone Boat Capabilities
The operation follows the US Navy’s increasing use of uncrewed vessels in operational roles. Last month, a Saronic Corsair USV was used to help rescue the crew of a US Army AH-64 Apache helicopter that crashed in the Gulf of Oman after the aircraft was reportedly brought down during hostilities with Iran. Military officials described it as the first known use of a drone boat to recover personnel during a search-and-rescue mission.
Broader Implications for Naval Warfare
The successful strike on Bandar Abbas Naval Base demonstrates the growing role of autonomous systems in modern combat. By employing one-way attack surface drones, the US military can project power with reduced risk to personnel. CENTCOM emphasized that the strikes degraded Iran’s ability to continue attacking commercial shipping, underscoring the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz for global oil supplies.
