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Iran shuts Strait of Hormuz again amid two month conflict, uses IRGC controlled mosquito fleet of fast armed boats, subs and drones to attack ships and challenge US navy
Iran Uses ‘Mosquito Fleet’ as Strait of Hormuz Closes Again
Iran has once again shut the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, after a brief reopening following the US naval blockade. Reports suggest that Tehran is relying on a “mosquito fleet” to maintain control over the key shipping route.
The closure comes amid an ongoing conflict that has now lasted nearly two months, with the United States facing repeated challenges in the region.
What is the ‘mosquito fleet’
The so-called mosquito fleet refers to a group of small, fast and modified boats used by Iran to monitor and attack vessels near the Strait of Hormuz. These boats are designed for speed and mobility, allowing them to operate quickly in narrow waters.
Many of these vessels are adapted from recreational boats and fitted with rocket-propelled grenades or machine guns. Over time, Iran has expanded this fleet to include miniature submarines and marine drones.
Some of these boats can reach speeds of up to 100 knots, or around 185 kilometres per hour.
The fleet is controlled by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which operates as a parallel force to Iran’s regular army. Its naval wing was developed in the 1980s and focuses on unconventional warfare at sea.
The IRGC uses these boats to enforce the blockade and disrupt movement through the strait. Experts say the force relies on hit-and-run tactics rather than large-scale naval battles.
Threat to shipping
The mosquito fleet, along with missiles and drones launched from hidden positions on land, has become a major threat to ships in the area. According to the International Maritime Agency, at least 20 vessels have been attacked during the ongoing conflict.
These tactics have made it difficult for ships to pass safely through the strait, leaving many vessels stranded on either side.
Hard to detect and counter
Despite their small size, the boats cover a wide operational area. Analysts say they are difficult to track, as they do not easily appear on satellite systems.
Many are reportedly stored in caves carved into Iran’s rocky coastline. Reports suggest there are at least 10 such fortified bases, allowing the boats to be deployed within minutes.
Even after US and Israeli strikes targeted Iranian naval assets, estimates indicate that hundreds to thousands of these boats are still in use.
Challenge for the US
US warships use heavy weapons, including high-calibre cannons, to counter these boats. However, commercial vessels passing through the strait do not have such defences.
This imbalance has made the mosquito fleet a continuing threat, as it remains capable of disrupting shipping and maintaining pressure in the region.
April 19, 2026, 10:23 IST
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