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US sea drones strike Iranian base and destroy submarine in first combat use
US Central Command released footage showing three unmanned surface vessels hitting an Iranian naval base on July 12. The strike destroyed one Ghadir-class midget submarine. Chinese analysts called for stronger harbour defences in response.
Jul 21, 7:30 AM·1m read1 source
South China Morning PostAudio version
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US Central Command released footage on July 13 showing three unmanned surface vessels striking an Iranian base and destroying one Ghadir-class midget submarine. South China Morning Post reported that the action marked the first combat use of American sea drones. The destroyed vessel is an Iranian-made Ghadir-class midget submarine with an underwater displacement of less than 150 tonnes.
It is designed mainly for operations in shallow coastal waters, including minelaying and supporting special forces missions. Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported on Sunday that the vessels were 7.3-metre Corsair USVs built by Saronic Technologies. The Corsair carries a modular payload and uses electro-optical and infrared sensors.
Its autonomous navigation and machine-learning systems allow it to continue a mission if communications are interrupted. Chinese military analysts urged the People’s Liberation Army to rapidly strengthen harbour defences after the strike.
Transparency
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