The U.S. military conducted its first-ever rescue mission using a sea drone to save two crew members from an Apache helicopter that crashed near the Strait of Hormuz, military officials confirmed.

The unmanned surface vessel successfully retrieved the helicopter crew in what represents a significant milestone for military drone operations. The rescue demonstrates the expanding capabilities of autonomous systems in military operations beyond traditional combat roles.

The Apache helicopter went down in waters near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane that connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. The strait is a vital chokepoint for global oil shipments and has been the site of heightened military tensions in recent years.

Military officials have not released additional details about the circumstances of the helicopter crash or the specific type of drone vessel used in the rescue operation. The incident marks a notable advancement in the military's use of unmanned systems for personnel recovery missions.

The successful rescue highlights the U.S. military's growing reliance on drone technology across various operational domains, extending from aerial reconnaissance to maritime rescue operations.