United States shows off ‘kamikaze drone boats’ in war games

By Dean Murray

The US has used kamikaze drone boats to sink a battleship in a major multinational naval exercise.

U.S. Navy unmanned surface vessels targeted the hulk of decommissioned assault ship USS Peleliu on July 17.

It came as part of Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2026 (RIMPAC), the world's largest international maritime exercise.

The target, USS Peleliu, served for more than 35 years and was once capable of launching a range of aircraft from its flight deck.

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The U.S. recently used unmanned surface vessels to strike an Iranian naval installation in Bandar Abbas in what was described as their first combat use of sea drones.

"Watching our Sailors work side-by-side with partners from around the world, executing complex maritime events together, is the strongest reminder of why these relationships matter," said U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Jeff Jablon, the RIMPAC 2026 Commander, Combined Task Force (CCTF). "SINKEXs are a prime example of the strength and readiness our partnerships create."

The U.S. Navy said that during the sinking exercises, participating units from Australia, Canada, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Spain and the U.S. Navy, Air Force and Army gained proficiency in tactics, targeting and live-firing against a surface ship at sea.

RIMPAC, held in and around the Hawaiian Islands until July 31, brings together forces from 30 nations. The drills involve 30 ships, five submarines, more than 190 aircraft, 15 national land forces and over 30,000 personnel.