US forces deploy uncrewed surface vessel in first maritime drone rescue near Strait of Hormuz
The operation, led by US Naval Forces Central Command and supported by Task Force 59, marks a significant shift in the integration of unmanned systems into US military rescue protocols.
Two crew members of a US Army AH-64 Apache helicopter have been rescued by an uncrewed surface vessel following an incident near the coast of Oman in the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command confirmed that the soldiers were in stable condition approximately two hours after the aircraft went down on Monday, marking the first such rescue operation carried out by US forces using an uncrewed surface drone.
The rescue was completed at 19:33 EDT (23:33 GMT) on Monday. The operation was led by US Naval Forces Central Command and the 82nd Airborne Division, with support from US Air Force and Navy units, including Task Force 59 of the US 5th Fleet. Military officials speaking to CBS News identified the rescuing asset as an uncrewed surface drone operated by Task Force 59, noting its speed boat-like design, though the specific model has not been confirmed.
Task Force 59 established a new unit in 2024 dedicated to the operational deployment of unmanned systems teamed with manned operators. This initiative was designed to bolster maritime security across the Middle East region, and this incident represents the first publicised application of that capability in a rescue scenario. The helicopter was patrolling regional waters when it crashed, though the precise nature of the uncrewed vessel remains unclassified.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with uncertainty surrounding whether the incident resulted from mechanical failure or Iranian fire. US Central Command stated the aircraft went down while patrolling regional waters near the coast of Oman. The BBC has approached US Central Command for further comment regarding the ongoing inquiry.
US President Donald Trump stated that the crew members were "fine" and indicated that a formal report into the incident would be issued at a later date. The successful extraction of the crew highlights the expanding role of autonomous systems in US military operations, particularly in contested maritime environments.
