The U.S. military has, for the first time, utilized one-way attack sea drones in combat. This occurred on Sunday when these drones struck an Iranian naval port. The operation targeted a submarine and ship maintenance facility at the Bandar Abbas Naval Base on Iran’s Strait of Hormuz coast, according to a statement from U.S. Central Command.
Video released by CENTCOM depicted three small sea drones approaching a raised dock holding a submarine, then exploding. While the exact impact remains unconfirmed, each explosion resulted in significant smoke plumes, and the final explosion caused a large fire.
CENTCOM described the operation as successful, asserting that it reduced Iran’s ability to attack commercial shipping. These drones were Corsair Autonomous Service Vehicles, produced by Texas-based weapons manufacturer Saronic. According to their website, these 24-foot drones can carry loads up to 1,000 pounds over 1,000 nautical miles at 35 knots.
First revealed to the public in October 2024, the Corsair drone came into production with a $392 million contract signed in December 2025 with the U.S. Navy. The weapon transitioned from prototype to production in under a year.
Various types of drones have become integral in modern warfare. This has been particularly evident in the ongoing Ukraine war, where sea drones have been used against the Russian navy in the Black Sea.
CENTCOM spokesman Captain Tim Hawkins emphasized the importance of new capabilities in conflict. New tools enhance combat effectiveness, and providing these capabilities remains a priority for U.S. Central Command.
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