Factbox-What is the sea drone that rescued US helicopter crew?

By Mike Stone

WASHINGTON, June ‌9 (Reuters) - A U.S. ​Navy ​drone rescued two Army helicopter crew members after their helicopter was shot down in the Middle East, in what was ‌believed to be the first known U.S. use of an unmanned ⁠military vessel to recover personnel at sea.

The Navy identified the rescue craft as a ‌Saronic Corsair, a 24-foot (7.3-metre) autonomous ‌surface vessel. The drone is part of the Pentagon's push to expand unmanned vehicles alongside traditional assets.

Here are some key facts about U.S. ​sea drones:

• A new kind of naval unit: Task Force 59, created in 2021 and based in Bahrain, is the U.S. Navy’s first ⁠unit dedicated to unmanned systems. The task force began fielding the Corsairs in the Middle East ​in late March.

• Drones on and below the water: The U.S. deploys both unmanned surface vessels and underwater vehicles, ​giving commanders flexibility depending on needs. Many ‌of the most advanced underwater systems remain highly secretive. Drones offer unique capabilities and reduce risk for American forces.

• ⁠From scouting to striking: Sea drones are used for surveillance, mine detection and tracking enemy activity. Some are also being adapted for combat roles. They can be ⁠useful for both routine monitoring and high-risk missions.

• Cost and responsiveness advantages: The Pentagon ​is investing in autonomous vessels as a cost-effective way to expand reach and speed response to threats. The Navy plans mass deployment including hundreds and potentially thousands of ‌Corsairs. Sea drone technology is still evolving and has faced technical and operational challenges.

• Combat potential proven elsewhere: ‌While not a U.S. system, Ukraine’s use of sea drones against Russia has ⁠demonstrated their battlefield impact, including ‌sinking warships and even ​downing a helicopter -- an unprecedented feat for an unmanned vessel.

(Reporting by Mike Stone in Washington; Editing by Sanjeev Miglani and ‌Cynthia Osterman)

---

Serious News for Serious Traders! Try StreetInsider.com Premium Free!

---

You May Also Be Interested In

• Guzman y Gomez posts 30% profit jump on Australia sales growth
• DOJ seeks to question FBI officials tied to search of Trump Mar-a-Lago estate, sources say
• Asia shares downbeat on the week as bond yields, oil stay high