US forces use USVs for first combat operations in attack on Iranian naval base

Saronic unmanned surface vessels, like the ones shown here, were used to attack an Iranian naval base. (Saronic)

Three Saronic Corsair unmanned surface vessels (USVs) hit the port at Bandar Abbas Naval Base one-way attack missions, marking the first time American forces have employed sea drones in combat operations, US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed on 13 July in multiple social media posts.

The military variant Corsairs struck multiple one-way attack at the base, CENTCOM acknowledged.

In June, Corsairs also helped with the rescue of two Army AH-64 Apache crew members whose aircraft went near the coast of Oman.

The USV missions during Iranian operations come in the wake of increased US Navy (USN) focus on buying, developing and deploying the unmanned platforms as quickly as possible in real-world situations, given the success of drone operations in the war in Ukraine and during combat in the Red Sea.

“Autonomy is changing the character of warfare,” Vice Admiral Elizabeth Okano, principal military deputy assistant secretary of the navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition, said during a 12 February West 2026 conference panel on unmanned and related technology.

“You're seeing it in Ukraine,” Vice Adm Okano said. “You're seeing it in the Red Sea.”

The US Navy Shipbuilding Plan, released in May, noted that small USVs are also an example of ‘asymmetric offsets' – new capabilities that can provide maritime security cooperation to US allies and partners who cannot afford “exquisite ships” but need to demonstrate presence and security along their sovereign shorelines.

“Unmanned systems are central to the navy's hedge strategy, providing tailored offsets,” the plan said.