US deploys autonomous ‘suicide boats’ in combat for first time in Iran strike

The United States deployed unmanned attack boats, known as Corsair vessels, in combat for the first time this week, targeting a maintenance facility at Iran's Bandar Abbas naval base. Three Saronic-manufactured Corsair vessels participated in the operation, aiming to degrade Iran's capacity to target commercial shipping near the Strait of Hormuz. A senior U.S. official stated, "This is only a glimpse of what is to come when fighting resumes following the collapse of negotiations with Tehran." The seven-meter boats, costing under $1 million each, are designed for long-range autonomous missions, enabling explosive payloads against defended targets without risking personnel. This deployment marks a significant shift, transforming unmanned systems from surveillance to offensive combat weapons, reflecting the growing importance of such technology for the U.S. military.