For the first time, the United States has begun using unmanned autonomous speedboats in active combat against Iran. This low-cost naval capability, operational under the banner of Operation Epic Fury, has already amassed hundreds of hours patrolling critical waterways.
Captain Tim Hawkins, a spokesman for U.S. Central Command, confirmed that the vessels, known as Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Ships (GARCs), have been engaged in maritime patrols as part of this operation, as reported on Thursday.
“The U.S. military is increasingly utilizing unmanned systems in the Middle East, including surface drone fleets like GARC,” Hawkins emphasized, noting that these platforms logged over 450 hours of sailing time and covered more than 2,200 nautical miles during their patrols supporting the initiative.
This marks a significant milestone as it’s the first authorized deployment of unmanned surface vessels by the United States in an active conflict, indicating a shift towards autonomous systems that operate at a lower cost compared to traditional naval assets while enhancing surveillance and strike capabilities.
The GARCs, developed by BlackSea Technologies in Maryland, are primarily designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance tasks. However, they can also play roles in mine countermeasures, communications relay, anti-submarine warfare, and the deployment of both air and underwater drones.
Each vessel is capable of exceeding speeds of 40 knots and can carry payloads of up to 1,000 pounds, making them versatile platforms for various maritime operations at an estimated cost of around $250,000 each—a fraction of the nearly $2 billion price of a U.S. Navy destroyer.
While authorities haven’t indicated that these drone boats have been used offensively, their design suggests that they could adapt to one-way attack systems, which are becoming more common in modern warfare.
The U.S. Navy has maintained a growing unmanned presence in the region through Task Force 59, based in Bahrain and part of the U.S. 5th Fleet, which focuses on integrating autonomous technology and artificial intelligence into maritime practices.
The use of these systems comes at a time when the U.S. and its allies are facing increased threats from Iran, particularly concerning its attacks on commercial shipping within the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has effectively disrupted normal maritime traffic with missile strikes, drone attacks, and threats directed at vessels linked to countries aligned with the U.S. and Israel.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced recently that vessels “to and from” ports of nations they view as supporters of “Zionist and American enemies” will be denied passage through the strait, regardless of destination.
This deployment also reflects lessons learned from recent conflicts, such as the use of explosive-laden drone boats by Ukraine against Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. These incidents highlight how lower-cost, harder-to-detect systems can change the dynamics of naval combat in contested waters.
The situation unfolds as the U.S. seeks to weaken Iran’s military capabilities while striving to maintain freedom of navigation in the Strait, contemplating potential options including the deployment of up to 10,000 additional ground troops in the area.
Former President Donald Trump has voiced frustration over European allies’ reluctance to contribute military resources for reopening the waterway amid escalating tensions and pressure on Iran to find a resolution.
While the U.S. Navy has utilized unmanned systems in the region for years, the deployment of the GARC marks a first in acknowledging this class of unmanned surface vessels in an active conflict.
According to Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, U.S. operations have already led to the destruction of 92% of Iran’s largest naval vessels, signifying a deeper shift in the maritime balance as autonomous systems gain a more integral role.
