U.S. Apache helicopter crew rescued by drone in Strait of Hormuz

On June 9, 2026, a U.S. Apache helicopter crashed in the Strait of Hormuz during a morning patrol. A U.S. Navy surface drone successfully rescued the two crew members within two hours of the incident. President Donald Trump confirmed that both pilots were unharmed and in stable condition. The U.S. Central Command stated that the cause of the crash remains under investigation, with no immediate confirmation on whether it was due to mechanical failure or hostile fire. This event marks the first recorded instance of a sea drone conducting such a rescue operation. Concurrently, regional tensions have fluctuated, with Iran and Israel recently observing a tenuous ceasefire following an exchange of fire that resulted in the deaths of two Iranian air defense personnel. Tehran has warned that it may resume hostilities if Israel continues operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon.