The U.S. military said autonomous sea drones built by Saronic Technologies were used in strikes in Iran, marking the first time American forces have employed sea drones in combat operations. The company has a significant presence in San Diego, where it tests the vessels and operates its primary West Coast facility. In a post on X, U.S. Central Command released unclassified video showing three unmanned surface vessels, known as Corsairs, traveling toward what it identified as a submarine and ship maintenance facility at Bandar Abbas Naval Base in Iran. Yesterday, using multiple one-way attack surface drones, CENTCOM forces successfully struck a submarine and ship maintenance facility in Iran. Three Corsair unmanned surface vessels hit the port at Bandar Abbas Naval Base, marking the first time American forces have employed sea… pic.twitter.com/bOM2kmgRxz— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) July 13, 2026 Saronic reshared the military’s video in their own post on X and identified the vessels as military variant Corsairs. “We are proud that our technology supported this mission and helped to keep the brave men and women of the U.S. armed forces safe,” the company’s post read. “Saronic remains committed to delivering autonomous maritime systems that strengthen the security of America and its allies.” A news release published by Saronic in July of last year announced the opening of an 80,000-square-foot facility in San Diego. The company described it as its primary West Coast testing and training facility, saying it is strategically located near Navy installations and commands. Notably, the facility is located in close proximity to Naval Information Warfare Systems Command, where engineers, scientists and specialists research, develop and test new technologies.  The company is also expanding its work with the Navy. In December, before war began again against Iran, Saronic announced it had been awarded a nearly $400 million production contract with the U.S. Navy. According to the company’s post on X, “Big news from #RNDF: @SECNAV announced Saronic has been awarded a $392M production contract with the U.S. Navy, with nearly $200M immediately put on contract.” The City of San Diego declared Oct. 21 as Saronic Day after the company opened its San Diego facility last year. This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC San Diego. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC San Diego journalist edited the article for publication. ...read more read less