CNA Explains: US deploys sea drones in combat for the first time

The United States has deployed sea drones in combat operations for the first time, marking a significant shift in modern warfare tactics. On Sunday, July 12, US forces utilized unmanned surface vessels, commonly known as sea drones, in strikes against Iran's Bandar Abbas Naval Base.

According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), three US Corsair drones targeted a facility responsible for submarine and ship maintenance. CENTCOM stated on X that the strikes degraded Iran's capacity to continue attacking commercial shipping. The command also released footage depicting sea drones exploding near piers, generating thick plumes of smoke.

This operation underscores the expanding role of uncrewed systems in contemporary military engagements. Sea drones, or unmanned surface vessels (USVs), are boats capable of operating without a crew, either remotely controlled or autonomously navigating missions. They are employed for various tasks, including intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance, mine countermeasures, logistics, and search and rescue.

While sea drones are not intended to operate independently, they contribute to a larger naval system, enhancing situational awareness and supporting informed decision-making. Increasingly, these vessels are being adapted for strike operations. The drones used in the attack on Bandar Abbas were described by CENTCOM as one-way attack surface drones. Modern sea drones can also be equipped for maritime interdiction and anti-ship strikes, with examples like Ukraine developing sea drones for anti-air warfare and even serving as "motherships" for smaller aerial drones.

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degraded Iran's ability to continue attacking commercial shipping