In a groundbreaking first for U.S. military operations, an uncrewed surface sea drone executed the successful rescue of two U.S. Army soldiers after their AH-64 Apache attack helicopter crashed in waters near the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, senior U.S. officials confirmed to CBS News, a media partner of the BBC.
The crash unfolded as the twin-turboshaft attack helicopter, manufactured in the U.S., conducted a routine patrol of regional waters off the coast of Oman. U.S. Central Command (Centcom) confirmed shortly after the incident that both crew members were extracted safely within roughly two hours of the crash and remain in stable medical condition. The rescue was officially timed at 19:33 EDT (23:33 GMT) Monday, per Centcom’s official Tuesday statement.
The operation marked a historic milestone for U.S. forces: it is the first time an uncrewed surface vessel has completed a combat rescue of downed personnel in U.S. military history, officials told CBS. The rescue mission was coordinated by U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and the 82nd Airborne Division, with backup support from U.S. Air Force and Navy units, including Task Force 59 of the U.S. 5th Fleet, the same formation that operated the rescue drone, military sources added.
Task Force 59 launched a specialized initiative in 2024 focused on integrating unmanned systems with manned operational teams to strengthen maritime security across the volatile Middle East region, a strategic waterway that carries roughly a fifth of the world’s oil trade. While officials have not released details on the specific model of drone used in the rescue, a U.S. official told ABC News the vessel has a speedboat-style design optimized for fast maneuvering in coastal waters.
Investigators have not yet determined the cause of the crash, with multiple possible scenarios still under active review. Authorities have not ruled out mechanical failure, other technical malfunctions, or even hostile fire from Iranian forces, Centcom confirmed, adding that a full investigation into the incident is ongoing.
U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters early this week that both crew members are “fine” and a full public report on the crash and rescue will be released once the investigation concludes. The BBC has requested additional comment from Centcom to elaborate on the details of the operation.
The crash and landmark rescue come amid heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz region, where U.S. military forces regularly conduct freedom of navigation patrols and maritime security operations amid long-running friction with Iran.