US Navy drone conducts first-known rescue of Apache crew after crash

A U.S. Navy surface drone rescued two crew members from a U.S. Army AH-64 Apache attack helicopter that went down near the coast of Oman, the U.S. military told Reuters, marking what officials described as a first-of-its-kind operation.

The helicopter went down at around 3 a.m. local time on June 9 while patrolling regional waters, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). The cause of the crash has not yet been determined.

CENTCOM said the rescue was carried out using an unmanned naval platform, though it did not specify the exact system involved. The U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet Task Force 59 operates in the region and specialises in integrating unmanned systems and artificial intelligence into maritime operations.

U.S. President Donald Trump also commented on the incident, telling reporters on the runway at John F. Kennedy International Airport before returning to Washington that the pilots were “fine.”

CENTCOM, however, used more cautious wording regarding their condition, stating they were in stable condition.

“The soldiers were safely rescued within approximately two hours and are in stable condition. The cause of the incident is under investigation,” it said in a statement.

By Sabina Mammadli