US military deploys explosive-laden drone boats in first combat use, striking Iranian sub and port

For the first time, the US military used explosive drone boats in combat on July 12, attacking an Iranian Ghadir-class midget submarine and a ship maintenance facility at Bandar Abbas Naval Base. A video released by US Central Command shows three one-way attack surface drones exploding after a low-speed, uncontested approach to their targets.

The submarine was out of the water and suspended from a gantry at the time. US officials confirmed this marked the first operational deployment of sea drones by American forces.