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🇦🇺 Australia /Technology

US deploys explosive drone boats in combat against Iran for first time

From ABC Australia · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • The US military has for the first time used uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) as a strike weapon against Iran, employing one-way drone boats loaded with explosives.
  • These drone boats, capable of traveling at high speeds and long distances, were used to degrade Iran's ability to attack commercial shipping.
  • The strikes occurred amid renewed clashes between the US and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran retaliating against UAE tankers and US positions.

The United States has deployed "speedboats with explosives" in combat for the first time, utilizing uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) as a strike weapon against Iran. These one-way drone boats, capable of carrying over 400 kilograms of explosives, are designed to destroy enemy targets without risking American lives.

The military development coincides with escalating tensions and renewed strikes between the US and Iran in the critical Strait of Hormuz. The US announced its naval blockade of Iran is now in effect, restricting maritime traffic in and out of Iranian ports.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that multiple military-variant Saronic Corsairs, 24-foot USVs, struck a submarine and ship maintenance facility in Iran on July 12. The company Saronic stated its Corsairs were used to "degrade Iran's ability to continue attacking commercial shipping," marking a significant milestone in American combat operations.

Yesterday, using multiple one-way attack surface drones, CENTCOM forces successfully struck a submarine and ship maintenance facility in Iran.

— US Central Command (CENTCOM)Statement on X regarding the drone strike on Iranian facilities.

In response to these actions, Iran reportedly struck two UAE tankers, resulting in one crew member's death and eight injuries. Iranian media also reported drone strikes targeting US positions at the Azraq base in Jordan, with the Iranian army vowing to continue operations against US bases in the region.

The Corsair drone boat, described as "autonomous," can reach speeds of up to 35 knots (65 km/h) and travel up to 1,000 nautical miles. Its speedboat-like design was unveiled in 2024. This marks a shift in US military strategy, as drone boats have seen increasing use in various roles in recent conflicts, notably as a key defense for Ukraine in the Black Sea.

The US military confirmed multiple military-variant Saronic Corsairs, our 24ft USV, were used in strikes to degrade Iran's ability to continue attacking commercial shipping, marking the first time American forces have employed sea drones in combat operations.

— SaronicCompany statement confirming their drone boats' use in combat.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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