US Navy Drone Boat Conducts First Military Rescue of Downed Pilots

Two Army pilots were rescued by a U.S. Navy unmanned surface vessel following the crash of their AH-64 Apache helicopter near Oman on Monday. This event represents the first documented instance of a drone boat being employed in an active military search-and-rescue mission.

The rescue took place close to the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime passage that has been central to tensions between the United States and Iran. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that the pilots were located after approximately two hours in the water and are currently in stable condition.

President Donald Trump drew swift attention to the incident by posting on social media that Iranian forces had shot down the helicopter during a patrol, and he stated that the U.S. responded with strikes against Iranian targets.

This operation highlights the increasing role of autonomous systems in military activities, particularly in hazardous maritime environments where rapid response is essential.

Autonomous Vessel Executes Rescue Mission

The rescue was carried out by a Corsair drone boat operated by the U.S. Navy’s Task Force 59, a Bahrain-based unit established to integrate autonomous technologies with conventional military forces in the Middle East.

U.S. Navy Captain Tim Hawkins stated that the drone boat located the two soldiers after they had been in the water for about two hours. CENTCOM confirmed the rescue was completed at 7:33 p.m. EDT on Monday.

According to an official statement, “Rescue efforts were led by US Naval Forces Central Command and the 82nd Airborne Division, with support from US Air Force and Navy units including US 5th Fleet’s Task Force 59.”

This mission demonstrated the potential for unmanned vessels to perform tasks traditionally assigned to helicopters, ships, or rescue teams. While military leaders have explored autonomous systems for surveillance, logistics, and security, this marks the first publicized use of such technology in a human rescue.

Corsair Drone Boat Built for Extended Operations

Manufactured by Saronic Technologies, a defense firm based in Texas, the Corsair drone boat measures 24 feet in length and resembles a speedboat. It is engineered for prolonged sea missions.

The company reports that the vessel can cover over 1,000 nautical miles while carrying a payload of up to 1,000 pounds (453.5 kilograms) and can reach speeds of 35 knots.

The U.S. Navy has made significant investments in this platform, awarding Saronic a $392 million contract in December 2025 to supply Corsair autonomous vessels.

Captain Hawkins noted that Task Force 59 began deploying these drones in the Middle East in late March, and since then, they have been utilized in various security operations throughout the region.

Increasing Role of Unmanned Military Systems

The successful rescue underscores the growing reliance on autonomous platforms within CENTCOM’s operational area. Task Force 59 employs both sea- and air-based drones to enhance surveillance capabilities and provide commanders with improved situational awareness in the region.

Senior military officials have frequently emphasized that unmanned systems are effective in monitoring threats and securing busy maritime routes. Since the onset of the U.S.-Iran conflict in March, commanders have highlighted drones’ contribution to maritime awareness. The recent Apache rescue adds a new achievement to this expanding role.