US Military Deploys Explosive Drone Boats in First Combat Use

The United States has deployed explosive-laden drone boats in combat for the first time, attacking an Iranian midget submarine and a naval port. The operation, which occurred on July 12, involved three "one-way attack surface drones" that detonated upon reaching their targets at Iran's Bandar Abbas Naval Base. This unprecedented use of unmanned sea vehicles by U.S. forces signals a developing trend in modern military operations.

U.S. Central Command confirmed the strikes in a social media post, noting it was the first instance of American forces employing sea drones in combat. Video footage released by the military shows the drones approaching an Iranian submarine and a ship maintenance facility before exploding. This tactic drew parallels to similar weapon systems previously demonstrated by Iranian and Houthi forces.

According to USNI News, the drone boats were able to approach their targets at low speed without encountering resistance. One of the identified targets was an Iranian Ghadir-class midget submarine, which was reportedly out of the water and suspended from a gantry at the time of the attack. The incident highlights the evolving capabilities and deployment of autonomous systems in military conflicts.

The deployment underscores the increasing reliance on drone technology across various branches of the military. The ability of these unmanned vessels to conduct strikes with limited risk to personnel represents a significant strategic development being closely watched by defense analysts globally.