Pentagon Deploys Autonomous GARC Speedboats to Lead Maritime Operations Against Iran

US forces deploy autonomous GARC speedboats in Operation Epic Fury, marking the first confirmed use of uncrewed vessels in active conflict against Iran.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 26, 2026, 6:20 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Times of Israel

The Dawn of Robotic Naval Warfare

The United States military has officially integrated uncrewed surface vessels into its active combat operations against Iran, marking a historic shift in the character of modern naval engagement. According to Tim Hawkins, a Pentagon spokesperson for Central Command, these autonomous speedboats are now conducting high stakes patrols as a core component of Operation Epic Fury. The deployment represents the first time Washington has publicly acknowledged the use of such robotic platforms in a kinetic conflict, signaling a transition from experimental prototyping to front line mission execution.

Technical Specifications of the GARC Platform

At the center of this technological surge is the Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft, or GARC, a specialized vessel engineered by Maryland-based defense contractor BlackSea. This platform is designed for high endurance and multi mission flexibility, capable of performing persistent surveillance or executing precision strikes. Pentagon data reveals that the GARC units have already logged over 450 underway hours and traversed more than 2,200 nautical miles. These statistics underscore a level of operational maturity that allows the U.S. Navy to maintain a constant presence in contested waters without risking human personnel.

Strategic Response to Iranian Maritime Threats

The decision to field autonomous speedboats follows nearly a month of escalating hostilities, during which Iranian forces have reportedly utilized similar sea drone technology to target commercial tankers in the Gulf. By deploying the GARC platforms, the U.S. military aims to neutralize the tactical advantages previously held by small, fast moving Iranian attack craft. According to Central Command officials, these unmanned systems provide a critical layer of defense and reconnaissance that allows traditional manned warships to remain at a safer distance while the drones manage the immediate dangers of the littoral environment.