US Navy Deploys Sea Drones in Combat for First Time Against Iran

The U.S. military has made a historic move by deploying three Corsair unmanned surface vessels (USVs) to strike Iranian naval targets at the Bandar Abbas port, marking the first combat use of sea drones by American forces. This operation was confirmed by U.S. Central Command on Monday and is part of an escalating series of actions against Iran following the revocation of a license that allowed Iran to sell oil.

The strikes targeted a submarine and ship maintenance facility at the Bandar Abbas naval base, aiming to disrupt Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The decision to use these advanced unmanned vessels underscores the U.S.'s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology in its military operations against adversaries like Iran.

Each Corsair USV, built by Saronic, measures 24 feet and has a range exceeding 1,000 nautical miles with a payload capacity of up to 1,000 pounds. The vessels are capable of operating at speeds over 35 knots and support various missions including intelligence gathering, surface surveillance, and logistics in both permissive and contested environments. Their embedded AI technology allows for rapid integration of sensors and autonomy software, making them highly adaptable platforms.

While this marks the first time Corsair USVs have been used in combat, they have been extensively tested by the U.S. Navy over the past two years. In June 2026, a Corsair USV successfully rescued Army AH-64 Apache helicopter pilots after their aircraft crashed near the Strait of Hormuz, demonstrating its potential for search and rescue operations.

The deployment of these unmanned vessels is part of a broader strategy by Task Force 59 within the U.S. Fifth Fleet Area of Operations to bolster maritime security in the Middle East region through the use of advanced technology. In January 2024, Unmanned Task Group 59.1 was established with the mission of deploying unmanned systems that can be integrated with specialized operators.

The shift from testing and rescue missions to combat operations highlights the evolving role of autonomous systems in modern warfare. As tensions continue between the U.S. and Iran, the use of sea drones is likely to become more prevalent as both sides seek technological advantages. This development signals a new chapter in naval warfare, where unmanned vessels are increasingly central to military strategies.

The deployment of Corsair USVs against Iranian targets not only demonstrates their operational capabilities but also sets a precedent for future conflicts involving autonomous systems. As nations around the world continue to develop and deploy similar technologies, the nature of maritime security and combat operations is poised to undergo significant transformation.