The US military has sent explosive-laden drone boats into combat for the first time, using them to attack an Iranian midget submarine and naval port. This unprecedented use of kamikaze sea drones, known as Saronic Corsair autonomous surface vessels, came nearly a decade after such weapons were first demonstrated by Iran and Houthi forces.
The drone boats, developed by Saronic Technologies in Austin, Texas, are 24 feet long and can carry up to 1,000 pounds over 1,000 nautical miles at speeds exceeding 34 knots. They were able to approach their targets slowly before exploding, according to USNI News.
US Central Command described the strikes as 'the first time American forces have employed sea drones in combat operations.' The technology allows for long-range missions and autonomous operation, potentially making naval warfare more dangerous and unpredictable.
This marks the second notable use of drone boats by the US military during the conflict. Previously, a Corsair sea drone was used to rescue two US Army helicopter pilots off the coast of Oman after their aircraft was taken down by an Iranian Shahed drone.
