Iran: Underwater Drones Threaten Tankers in the Gulf

Attacks against commercial ships and tankers in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz are increasing, often using naval drones. Recent attacks involved unmanned surface vehicles, speedboat-kamikazes filled with explosives.

Reuters describes an object shaped like a small speedboat hitting a tanker. Ambrey and RUSI experts believe it was a naval surface drone. The underwater dimension of the threat is real and concerning.

In February 2024, the U.S. Central Command destroyed an uncrewed underwater vehicle (UUV) in Houthi-controlled waters. U.S. authorities seized an Iranian arms shipment with components for UUVs and USVs. USNI News linked the underwater drones to Iranian technology.

Analyst H. I. Sutton describes a possible Iranian model as a torpedo-shaped one-way attack underwater drone, a small kamikaze submarine drone. It is designed to silently approach the target and hit it near the waterline.

Sutton notes that the vehicle may raise a small mast for observation sensors or use cable guidance. Underwater drones are not easily detected by radar and can approach commercial ships in narrow passages.

A hit low on the hull can cause fire, flooding, or immobilization. This logic fits Iran's naval strategy, which is based on asymmetric attrition.