In a significant development, drone boats belonging to the US Navy's 5th Fleet launched lethal munitions for the first time during a recent exercise in the Middle East. The exercise, called Digital Talon, showcased the evolving capabilities of unmanned vessels in maritime operations.

Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of the 5th Fleet, expressed his satisfaction with the successful launch of missiles from the unmanned speedboat, stating, "We took a significant step forward and advanced our capability to the next level." The Navy released footage that revealed an unmanned speedboat firing missiles off the Arabian Peninsula on October 23.

While the Navy has been extensively using drone boats for surveillance purposes over the past two years, the use of lethal weaponry during the Digital Talon exercise represents a major shift in their operational scope. Cooper emphasized that this move signaled the Navy's transition "beyond just maritime domain awareness."

During the exercise, unmanned surveillance drones collaborated with crewed ships to locate and neutralize target boats. The MARTAC T38 Devil Ray unmanned speedboat, under the command of a sailor in Bahrain, successfully launched missiles, achieving direct hits on the targets.

The participation of Special Operations Forces Central Command in the exercise highlights the integration of various units to ensure seamless and effective operations. The Navy's statement also mentioned that future exercises would see a further expansion in the deployment of combat-capable unmanned systems.

In 2021, the Navy established Task Force 59, a dedicated unit focused on developing drones and utilizing artificial intelligence for 5th Fleet operations. This move signifies the Navy's vision of increasing their reliance on unmanned vessels supported by AI technology to monitor and protect Middle East waterways—a critical area through which a significant portion of global trade passes.

The use of unmanned boats for surveillance purposes in the Strait of Hormuz has been particularly notable due to increased naval patrols amid allegations by the US that Iran has been harassing civilian shipping. In response, the Navy has deployed unmanned underwater boats and aerial drones to shadow Iranian ships and small boats during these patrols.

The ongoing tension between the US and Iran has led to what analysts describe as a shadow war, with Washington's allies encountering militant groups allegedly supported by Iran. The Navy has confirmed that Iran is involved in smuggling weapons to militant groups across the region, leading to the seizure of some of these shipments. In 2022 alone, Iran has seized Navy drone boats on two occasions, releasing them when US warships approached.

As the Navy continues to develop and enhance their unmanned fleet capabilities, the deployment of lethal munitions signals a significant advancement in their operational readiness. With future exercises set to feature a greater number of combat-capable unmanned systems, the evolving Navy's unmanned fleet presents a formidable presence in ensuring maritime security in the Middle East.