For the first time, the US uses naval suicide drones in operations against Iran

2026-07-13 19:36:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that single-use naval drones were used for the first time during overnight military operations against Iran. According to CENTCOM, American forces struck Iranian air defense systems, coastal radars, missile and drone capabilities, as well as small craft.

The operation was carried out with fighter jets, US Navy ships, kamikaze aerial drones and, for the first time, kamikaze naval drones. The US command has not disclosed what unmanned naval platforms were used, but in recent months it has intensified the integration of autonomous naval vehicles (USVs) into its operations.

Yesterday, using multiple one-way attack surface drones, CENTCOM forces successfully struck a submarine and ship maintenance facility in Iran. Three Corsair unmanned surface vessels hit the port at Bandar Abbas Naval Base, marking the first time American forces have employed sea... pic.twitter.com/bOM2kmgRxz
— US Central Command (@CENTCOM) July 13, 2026

Last month, a Corsair unmanned maritime vehicle, manufactured by the Saronic company, was used to rescue two crew members of a US Apache helicopter after it crashed in the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman.

The operation was led by US Naval Forces Central (NAVCENT), the 82nd Airborne Division and Task Force 59, the US Navy's specialized unit for integrating unmanned systems and artificial intelligence technologies in the maritime environment.

In April, CENTCOM also announced the deployment of underwater drones to clear the Strait of Hormuz. The then-CENTCOM commander, Admiral Brad Cooper, stated that a new and secure shipping corridor was being created, which would be made available to the maritime industry to ensure the free flow of international trade.

The Strait of Hormuz is considered one of the world's most strategic sea lanes, as about 20 percent of the oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) traded globally passes through it. According to reports in The New York Times, during the conflict, Iran laid naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, temporarily blocking international shipping.

Tehran is estimated to possess between 2,000 and 6,000 naval mines and a sizeable fleet of small craft for laying them. Reports also suggest that Iranian authorities no longer have an accurate picture of the location of all mines laid in the area. /CNA