The US Navy has confirmed that its Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) uncrewed surface vessel, developed by Baltimore-based BlackSea Technologies, carried out its first live-fire attack during RIMPAC 2026, striking the decommissioned amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu as part of a SINKEX (sinking exercise). The exercise marked a significant milestone in the Navy’s development of kamikaze drone boats, with one GARC using Anduril’s Lattice autonomous software and carrying a payload of up to 1,000 pounds to execute the attack.

Operated by the newly established Unmanned Surface Vessel Division 32 (USVDIV-32), the GARC is designed for reconnaissance, training, and offensive missions. The unit has already participated in multinational exercises such as BALTOPS and UNITAS, helping train US and allied forces to detect and counter uncrewed surface threats while refining tactics for autonomous maritime operations.

The successful test follows the US military’s first acknowledged combat use of drone boats against Iranian targets earlier this month, highlighting the Navy’s growing emphasis on uncrewed surface vessels. Officials see the technology as an increasingly important capability for future conflicts, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, as the Navy expands its hybrid fleet of crewed and autonomous vessels.