US Employs Explosive Drone Boats in First Combat Operation

WHO:

Ars Technica - US military

Newsweek - US

WHAT:

Ars Technica - The US military’s drone boats struck an Iranian naval port.

Newsweek - This is the first time the U.S. has used explosives-laden sea drones in an attack on another country.

WHERE:

Ars Technica - Iranian naval port

WHY:

Newsweek - The use of explosive sea drones follows Ukraine's example.

HOW:

Ars Technica - The US military employed explosive drone boats in combat for the first time.

(UPDATED July 14, 2026 19:27 UTC)

The US military has made a significant move by using explosive-laden sea drones to strike an Iranian naval port, marking the first time these drone boats have been employed in an attack on another country. This action follows the example set by Ukraine in utilizing such technology in combat. The deployment of these explosive sea drones highlights a new phase in military operations for the US.