Autonomous drone boat rescues US pilots in Strait of Hormuz

For the first time, a US Navy Autonomous Surface Vehicle (ASV) has rescued US Army helicopter crew members after their Apache helicopter was shot down in the Strait of Hormuz. The rescue operation involved a Saronic Corsair autonomous surface vessel, which brought the two crew members to safety.

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the US military has acknowledged that a Saronic Corsair autonomous surface vessel was used in the recent rescue operation following the downing of a US Army helicopter.

US Central Command confirmed that the soldiers were rescued within approximately two hours and are in stable condition. The ASV transported them to another location on the water, where they were picked up by a helicopter and taken ashore. The Corsair was operating under the command of the US Naval Force Central Command (NAVCENT) and the 82nd Airborne Division with Task Force 59, NAVCENT’s Unmanned Systems Unit.

While Unmanned Surface Vehicles have been used for missions like sea mine clearance, this rescue marks a significant milestone as the first time troops have been saved during combat. The Saronic Corsair ASV, unveiled in October 2024, is 24 feet long, capable of carrying 1,000 pounds, and has an endurance of over 1,000 nautical miles. It can operate independently or in networked swarms with a human operator in the loop.

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the soldiers were safely rescued within approximately two hours and are in stable condition.

The Pentagon is increasing its investment in autonomous unmanned surface vehicles, viewing them as a cost-effective method to enhance the Navy's reach and capabilities in challenging maritime settings. The Navy reportedly plans to deploy potentially thousands of Corsairs. Task Force 59 began fielding the vessels in late March following a $392 million deal between the Navy and Saronic in December 2024.

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there is an opportunity for us to be able to utilize this equipment and this piece of technology here that would help us in protecting that restricted area along the waterside. It's another phenomenal opportunity for the Coast Guard to be able to use this type of equipment, as well as most of the authorities sort of lie under their portfolio to be able to exercise that.