Washington, June 10, 2026 — The United States military has successfully used an unmanned surface vessel to rescue two crew members from a downed Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz, marking what could be the first known operational use of a sea drone in a real-world rescue mission.
According to the U.S. military, the two crew members were recovered after their AH-64 Apache helicopter crashed while conducting a patrol mission in regional waters near Oman. The incident later escalated tensions in the region, with Washington accusing Iran of responsibility and launching retaliatory strikes on Iranian targets.
The rescue operation was carried out by the U.S. Navy’s autonomous vessel, known as the Corsair, or “Sea Drone.” The 24-foot-long unmanned craft, developed by Texas-based defense company Saronic Technologies, is assigned to the Navy’s Task Force 59, a Bahrain-based unit specializing in the integration of unmanned systems into maritime operations.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said the two crew members spent nearly two hours in the water before the autonomous vessel located and assisted in their recovery.
Sea drones are unmanned maritime vehicles capable of operating on the water’s surface or underwater without a human crew onboard. They can be remotely controlled or function autonomously using sensors, cameras, artificial intelligence, and satellite communications.
The United States has increased investment in such technologies as part of broader efforts to modernize military capabilities and reduce risks to personnel operating in dangerous environments.
Task Force 59, established in 2021, was the first U.S. naval unit dedicated to integrating unmanned systems into maritime missions. The Corsair has been deployed across Middle Eastern waterways since earlier this year amid rising regional tensions.
The vessel is capable of carrying payloads of up to 1,000 pounds (453.5 kilograms) and can travel distances of up to 1,000 nautical miles. It has a top speed of 35 knots.
Beyond search-and-rescue operations, the Corsair is designed for maritime surveillance, vessel tracking, intelligence gathering, mine detection, and monitoring shipping lanes. While the U.S. military has primarily used such systems for surveillance and security missions, recent conflicts have highlighted the growing offensive potential of unmanned maritime platforms.
Military analysts view the successful rescue near the Strait of Hormuz as a significant milestone in the development and operational use of autonomous naval technologies.
