Regional Dynamics

US Tanker Attacked by Unmanned Boats: Predictable Failure of Geopolitical Mismanagement

It appears that a US-owned tanker, operating near Iraq, has been targeted by unmanned boats, according to early findings. This incident brings to the forefront a sense of inevitability, as if many had anticipated such a development. The notion of being attacked with tactics that mirror those successfully employed by Ukraine against a formidable naval force, like Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, is particularly striking. It’s a stark reminder that even without a large navy, innovative and cost-effective methods can pose a significant threat to established military might.

The ease with which these unmanned vessels can be deployed, requiring little more than a small, flat launch area, is a critical takeaway.… Continue reading