US deploys naval kamikaze drones in strikes against Iran, mirroring Ukraine tactics

In a significant escalation, the United States carried out strikes against roughly 140 targets in Iran overnight between July 12 and 13. The Central Command (CENTCOM) of the U.S. forces announced the attack began around 11 p.m. Polish time, with the stated objective of degrading Iran's ability to attack civilian merchant ships and their crews in the Strait of Hormuz region.

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The official goal of the strikes was the degradation of capabilities to attack civilian ships and their crews in the vicinity of the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian state media confirmed explosions in the southern part of the country, specifically mentioning the port city of Bandar Abbas, which lies on the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. attacks, which concluded around 4:30 a.m. Polish time, reportedly targeted not only missile and drone launchers and ammunition depots but also coastal radar installations and small Iranian boats monitoring the strait.

This action follows a period of heightened tension, particularly after Iran's Revolutionary Guard declared the strait closed to shipping, despite a preliminary agreement reached on June 17. The U.S. cited Iran's declaration and a recent night attack on the container ship Galaxy as reasons for its retaliatory strikes.

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The use of naval kamikaze drones by the Americans is the first such event in history, as emphasized in its communication by the United States Central Command (CENTCOM).

A notable aspect of the U.S. operation was the first-time use of naval kamikaze drones, a tactic that CENTCOM highlighted. Reports suggest this mirrors Ukraine's successful deployment of drones in its ongoing conflict. The U.S. has previously implemented lessons from the Ukraine war, including the use of the LUCAS (Low-cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System), an American equivalent to the Shahed-136 drones. This strategic adoption of new technologies underscores the U.S. military's adaptability.

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The latest attack is evidence of the implementation of experiences from the war in Ukraine, where unmanned drones are successfully used by Ukrainians today.