Join our crew and become one of the 110,440 members that receive our newsletter.

Iran Busted Trying To Steal U.S. Navy Sea Drone

Mike Schuler
Total Views: 12894
August 30, 2022

The U.S. Navy has taken back one its unmanned surface vessel drones that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) had captured and tried to confiscate in the Arabian Gulf.

The U.S. 5th Fleet observed the IRGCN support ship Shahid Baziar towing a Saildrone Explorer USV around 11 p.m local time on August 29 in an attempt to seize it.

Thankfully the U.S. Navy patrol coastal ship USS Thunderbolt (PC 12) was operating nearby and was able to step in with the help of a U.S. 5th Fleet MH-60S Sea Hawk from Bahrain-based Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 26.

“The actions taken by U.S. naval forces in response resulted in the IRGCN vessel disconnecting the towing line to the USV and departing the area approximately four hours later. The U.S. Navy resumed operations without further incident,” the Navy said in an update on the incident.

A similar Saildrone Explorer USV to the one Iran attempted to confiscate is below.

A Saildrone Explorer unmanned surface vessel and littoral combat ship USS Sioux City (LCS 11) sail in the Arabian Gulf, June 26. U.S. Navy Photo

The Saildrone Explorer USVs are equipped with sensors, radars and cameras for navigation and data collection. The update from the Navy said the technology is available commercially and does not store sensitive or classified information.

U.S. 5th Fleet actually operates a network of manned and unmanned systems in accordance with international law.

“IRGCN’s actions were flagrant, unwarranted and inconsistent with the behavior of a professional maritime force,” said Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces. “U.S. naval forces remain vigilant and will continue to fly, sail and operate anywhere international law allows while promoting rules-based international order throughout the region.”

Tags:

Unlock Exclusive Insights Today!

Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.

Sign Up
Back to Main
polygon icon polygon icon

Why Join the gCaptain Club?

Access exclusive insights, engage in vibrant discussions, and gain perspectives from our CEO.

Sign Up
close

JOIN OUR CREW

Maritime and offshore news trusted by our 110,440 members delivered daily straight to your inbox.