US Deploys Suicide Autonomous Boats in First Attack on Iranian Naval Base

The US military conducted its first operational use of autonomous suicide boats in an attack against Iran on July 13, 2026. Three unmanned surface vessels penetrated the Bandar Abbas naval port and exploded at a maintenance facility for Iranian submarines and ships, marking a new phase in the escalating conflict between Washington and Tehran. The attack was part of a broader wave of strikes amid renewed hostilities over control of the Strait of Hormuz.

The vessels used were Corsair model autonomous boats developed by Saronic Technologies. Each boat measures approximately 7.3 meters, can travel over 1,800 kilometers, carry up to 450 kilograms of explosives, and reach speeds of 35 knots (about 65 km/h). These boats are equipped with artificial intelligence systems for rapid sensor integration and autonomous operation. The US Navy has been testing Corsair boats for two years and previously used one in a rescue mission off Oman.

The deployment is led by Task Force 59 of the US Fifth Fleet, based in Bahrain, which focuses on integrating unmanned systems into naval operations. A dedicated unit was established in 2024 to develop and operationalize autonomous boats. Initially used for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering, these vessels have now been employed in direct combat roles.

Experts note that this development reflects a broader Pentagon strategy to expand autonomous capabilities, influenced by lessons from the Ukraine conflict and preparations for potential future confrontations with China. Ukraine pioneered the use of unmanned boats in naval warfare since 2022, targeting Russian naval assets and even reportedly disabling a Russian submarine with an unmanned underwater vehicle.

Despite advantages, autonomous boats face challenges such as electronic warfare vulnerabilities, limited range due to size, and communication difficulties with underwater units. Navies worldwide are adapting to this emerging threat, with Russia relocating some ships away from combat zones and the UK planning motherships to deploy swarms of unmanned vessels.