As is known, Iran shot down the US "Apache" military helicopter over the Hormuz Strait.
As a result, the two pilots of the helicopter stayed in the water for about two hours.
Medianews.az reports that for the first time in US history, a sea drone – an unmanned military boat – was used to rescue the pilots. That is, unmanned boats found the helicopter pilots two hours later and brought them ashore.
The sea drone used in the rescue operation is called "Saronic Corsair". It is 7.3 meters long. It operates in autonomous mode and is part of the Pentagon's program aimed at the widespread use of unmanned systems.
In the picture: "Saronic Corsair" sea drones
The US Navy created a special division called "Task Force 59" in 2021. Located in Bahrain, this force is the first military naval group specialized in unmanned systems. "Corsair" devices were first deployed in the Middle East at the end of March 2026.
The US uses both surface and underwater unmanned vehicles. These systems allow reducing human crew risk in reconnaissance, observation, mine detection, and other missions. Some of the most advanced underwater systems are classified.
The Pentagon believes that unmanned boats are a relatively inexpensive way to enhance the navy’s capabilities and respond more quickly to threats. The US Navy plans to deploy hundreds, even thousands, of "Corsair" type devices in the future.
The US's latest operation in Hormuz shows that sea drones are no longer just tools for reconnaissance and observation but are turning into multifunctional platforms capable of performing complex missions such as saving people.