Reuters reported on 26/3 that Colonel Tim Hawkins, spokesperson for US Central Command (CENTCOM), stated that Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) were used for patrol missions as part of operations against Iran. This marks the first time the US has confirmed using this type of asset in a conflict. There are no indications that the US has deployed these vessels for offensive missions.

The Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) is an uncrewed surface vessel manufactured by the Maryland-based company BlackSea. Each vessel is nearly 5 m long, has a cruising speed of 40 km/h, and a range of almost 3,000 km when traveling at an economical speed of 9 km/h.

"US forces will continue to use uncrewed systems in the Middle East, including surface vessels like GARC," Hawkins stated. "This equipment has operated for over 450 hours, covering a total of 4,075 km during maritime patrol missions to support Operation 'Terrifying Fury'." The CENTCOM official declined to name other uncrewed systems deployed in the Middle East. BlackSea also refused to comment.

Uncrewed surface vessels have gained prominence in recent years, particularly after helping Ukraine achieve significant military success in the Black Sea. They have threatened the Russian Navy's Black Sea Fleet, destroying several warships and limiting the operations of many others, enabling Ukraine to maintain its maritime trade routes to Europe. Iran has also used uncrewed surface vessels at least two times to attack oil tankers in the Persian Gulf since the conflict began.

Washington is working to build a fleet of uncrewed surface and underwater vehicles, aiming to use them as a cost-effective alternative to crewed surface ships and submarines. However, this project has faced delays and obstacles, including technical issues, cost concerns, and testing malfunctions. Reuters reported last year that GARC had encountered numerous performance and safety problems, including a high-speed collision with another vessel during testing.

A US Navy GARC vessel operating off the coast of South Carolina in 4/2025. *Photo: US Navy*

According to Reuters sources, a GARC vessel became inoperable during a recent failed test in the Middle East. Hawkins declined to comment on the testing incidents. "GARC is an emerging capability within the 5th Fleet's uncrewed surface vessel team, aimed at enhancing situational awareness in the region's waters," the official stated.

Pham Giang (According to Reuters)