US Military Uses Sea Drones for First Time in Strike on Iranian Naval Base
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on July 13, 2026, that it conducted a successful targeted strike against a submarine and ship maintenance facility at the Iranian naval base in Bandar Abbas. The attack was carried out using multiple one-way unmanned surface drones, specifically three Corsair drones, marking the first operational use of sea drones by US forces in combat.
CENTCOM emphasized that the strike aimed to degrade Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping routes in the region. The drones hit the port area of the Bandar Abbas naval base, damaging critical infrastructure related to submarine and ship maintenance. This operation represents a new tactical development in US military capabilities in the Persian Gulf.
The announcement highlights ongoing tensions between the US and Iran, with the US seeking to limit Iran's naval threat to international maritime traffic. CENTCOM's statement underscores the strategic importance of the strike in protecting global trade routes and maintaining regional security.
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