The U.S. military has confirmed that it employed armed Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) in combat for the first time on July 12, 2026. According to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), three Saronic Corsair USVs were used to strike Bandar Abbas Naval Base, Iran’s main base overlooking the Strait of Hormuz, targeting a submarine and ship maintenance facility. “Yesterday, using multiple one-way attack surface drones, CENTCOM forces successfully struck a submarine and ship maintenance facility in Iran. Three Corsair unmanned surface vessels hit the port at Bandar Abbas Naval Base, marking the first time American forces have employed sea drones in combat operations,” CENTCOM said in a statement posted on social media.