The U.S. military deployed one-way attack sea drones for the first time in combat, targeting an Iranian naval port. According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), forces used multiple sea surface drones on Sunday to strike a submarine and ship maintenance facility at the Bandar Abbas Naval Base. This base is located on Iran’s coast in the Strait of Hormuz.
Video footage released by CENTCOM depicted three small sea drones speeding toward a raised dock, possibly housing a small submarine, and subsequently exploding. The extent of the damage remains unclear from the video, but the explosions created tall plumes of smoke. The final explosion appeared to spark a large fire.
CENTCOM declared the attack a success, stating it had reduced Iran’s capability to threaten commercial shipping in the region. Saronic, a Texas-based weapons manufacturer, confirmed that their 24-foot Corsair Autonomous Service Vehicle was utilized in the operation.
“We are proud that our technology supported this mission and helped to keep the brave men and women of the U.S. armed forces safe,” Saronic said in a statement shared on social media.
According to the manufacturer’s specifications, the Corsair can carry payloads up to 1,000 pounds over 1,000 nautical miles and achieve a top speed of 35 knots. The sea drone was unveiled in October 2024, and by December 2025, Saronic had secured a $392 million production contract with the U.S. Navy.
Drones have become a significant element of modern warfare, particularly apparent in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The recent attack on Iran shows similarities to Ukraine’s use of sea drones against Russia’s navy in the Black Sea.
CENTCOM spokesman Captain Tim Hawkins emphasized the importance of integrating new technologies into military operations. “U.S. forces deployed to the Middle East have employed several new capabilities over the course of the conflict to get the job done. This instance was no different,” Hawkins stated.