By Gloria Ogbonna
The United States has, for the first time, deployed autonomous, uncrewed drone speedboats in active combat operations against Iran — a significant milestone that signals a new era in naval warfare.
The vessels, known as Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC), are being used under Operation Epic Fury to patrol critical waterways in the Middle East, marking the first acknowledged use of this class of uncrewed surface vessel in an active conflict.
Capt. Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), confirmed the deployment to Reuters, stating that the drone boats have already accumulated more than 450 hours underway and traveled over 2,200 nautical miles during maritime patrols.
According to Hawkins, U.S. forces continue to expand their use of unmanned systems across the region, integrating surface drone assets like the GARC into ongoing operations aimed at strengthening maritime security.
The introduction of these autonomous vessels reflects a broader strategic shift toward low-cost, high-impact military technologies. Built by Maryland-based BlackSea Technologies, the GARC platform is designed primarily for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
However, its versatility extends far beyond monitoring duties. The vessels can support mine countermeasures, serve as communications relays, conduct anti-submarine warfare operations, and even deploy aerial or underwater drones.
Each craft is capable of reaching speeds exceeding 40 knots and can carry payloads of up to 1,000 pounds. With an estimated cost of approximately $250,000 per vessel, the GARC offers a strikingly affordable alternative to traditional naval assets — especially when compared to the nearly $2 billion price tag of a U.S. Navy destroyer.
This dramatic cost difference highlights the asymmetric advantage these systems provide, allowing the U.S. Navy to expand its presence and operational reach without the financial burden of deploying large, crewed warships.
Although officials have not confirmed that the drone boats have been used in direct offensive strike missions, their design allows for rapid adaptation into expendable, one-way attack systems — a tactic that has become increasingly common in modern conflicts.
The evolution of such capabilities mirrors recent battlefield developments, including Ukraine’s successful use of explosive-laden drone boats against Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, demonstrating how relatively inexpensive autonomous systems can disrupt powerful naval forces.
The U.S. Navy has been steadily increasing its unmanned footprint in the region for years, particularly through Task Force 59, based in Bahrain under the U.S. Fifth Fleet.
The task force focuses on integrating autonomous platforms and artificial intelligence into maritime operations, aiming to create a smarter, faster, and more responsive naval force capable of operating in contested waters.
The deployment of GARC vessels comes at a time of heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, particularly in and around the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most strategically vital maritime chokepoints. Iran has intensified its campaign against commercial shipping in the region through missile attacks, drone strikes, and threats targeting vessels associated with countries it views as aligned with the United States and Israel.
In a recent statement, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps declared that ships traveling “to and from” ports belonging to nations it described as supporters of “Zionist-American enemies” would no longer be permitted safe passage through the strait, regardless of their intended route or shipping corridor. Such threats have raised global concerns over energy security and international trade, as a significant portion of the world’s oil supply transits through these waters.
According to CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper, U.S. strikes have already destroyed 92 percent of Iran’s largest naval vessels, significantly altering the maritime balance of power in the region. As traditional Iranian naval assets are degraded, autonomous systems like the GARC are stepping into a more prominent operational role.
Meanwhile, Washington continues to evaluate additional military measures, including the potential deployment of up to 10,000 additional ground troops to the region. President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized European allies for declining to contribute more military resources to help secure the strait and restore freedom of navigation as the crisis deepens.
The combat debut of autonomous drone speedboats represents more than just a tactical adjustment — it signals a transformation in naval doctrine. By leveraging scalable, cost-effective unmanned systems, the United States is redefining how maritime power is projected and sustained in high-risk environments.
As tensions persist and technology continues to evolve, the role of autonomous vessels is likely to expand, reshaping the future of naval warfare in contested waters around the globe.
Source Breitbart