The U.S. military used explosive-laden drone boats in combat for the first time during strikes on an Iranian naval facility Sunday, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
In a post on X on Monday, the command said three Corsair autonomous boats struck a ship maintenance facility and a submarine at Iran’s Bandar Abbas Naval Base, the headquarters of the Iranian Navy. CENTCOM also released a 24-second video showing the drones approaching the base before detonating near a dock that appeared to house a Ghadir-class midget submarine.
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… pic.twitter.com/bOM2kmgRxz
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) July 13, 2026
“Last night’s strikes degraded Iran’s ability to continue attacking commercial shipping,” CENTCOM said.
The Corsair USV is built by Texas-based defense company Saronic. The 24-foot vessel has a range of more than 1,000 nautical miles, can carry payloads of up to 1,000 pounds and reach speeds of 35 knots.
300 Corsairs complete – from prototype to serial production in less than a year, we’re proud of what the @Saronic team has accomplished and excited for what’s to come! pic.twitter.com/5N46CEKa4j
— Saronic (@Saronic) May 6, 2026
According to the company, the platform is designed for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, surface surveillance and logistics missions, with an open architecture that supports rapid integration of sensors and autonomous systems.
The U.S. Navy’s Task Force 59, which focuses on unmanned maritime systems in the Middle East, began operating the Corsair earlier this year.
“We are proud that our technology supported this mission and helped to keep the brave men and women of the U.S. armed forces safe,” Saronic wrote on X.
The company said it remains committed to “delivering autonomous maritime systems that strengthen the security of America and its allies.”
The combat debut comes weeks after a Corsair vessel helped rescue two U.S. Army AH-64 Apache helicopter pilots off the coast of Oman.
The latest fighting between the U.S. and Iran began Wednesday after U.S. forces launched strikes on Iranian targets in response to attacks on three merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Days later, the two sides exchanged additional strikes, widening the conflict and further threatening the fragile U.S.-Iran negotiations aimed at securing a permanent end to the fighting.
