The Pentagon said on Thursday that the United States has deployed uncrewed drone speedboats for patrols as part of its operations against Iran, Reuters reported. This is the first time Washington has confirmed using such vessels in an active conflict.
The deployment of the vessels, which can be used for surveillance or kamikaze strikes, has not been previously reported.
Uncrewed vessels have risen to prominence in recent years after Ukraine used explosive laden speedboats to inflict significant damage on Russia's Black Sea Fleet.
Reuters noted that the United States has for years been trying to build a fleet of autonomous uncrewed surface and underwater vessels as a cheaper and faster alternative to manned ships and submarines, particularly to counter China's growing naval power in the Pacific. The effort, however, has fallen behind schedule and been dogged by technical problems, cost concerns and a series of testing setbacks.
www.israelnationalnews.com
The deployment of the vessels, which can be used for surveillance or kamikaze strikes, has not been previously reported.
Uncrewed vessels have risen to prominence in recent years after Ukraine used explosive laden speedboats to inflict significant damage on Russia's Black Sea Fleet.
Reuters noted that the United States has for years been trying to build a fleet of autonomous uncrewed surface and underwater vessels as a cheaper and faster alternative to manned ships and submarines, particularly to counter China's growing naval power in the Pacific. The effort, however, has fallen behind schedule and been dogged by technical problems, cost concerns and a series of testing setbacks.
US deploys uncrewed speedboats for first time in Iran conflict
The Pentagon confirms the United States has deployed uncrewed drone speedboats, including the GARC, for patrols in Operation Epic Fury against Iran.
www.israelnationalnews.com
