Iranian Forces Target U.S. Unmanned Boat in Strait of Hormuz

Iranian media reported on Thursday evening that naval forces affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps targeted a U.S. unmanned surface vessel, identified as the Saildrone Explorer, in the Strait of Hormuz.

The vessel is approximately seven meters long and is designed to remain at sea for extended periods. It is equipped with cameras, communication systems and various sensors used for surveillance, reconnaissance and improving maritime situational awareness.

The report added that vessels of the same type have previously been used by the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet and Task Force 59, a unit focused on developing unmanned maritime systems and artificial intelligence technologies for naval operations, with Bahrain serving as its operational hub.