US Navy launches first drone across Strait of Hormuz in the Middle East

The U.S. Navy sailed its first drone boat through the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, a crucial waterway for global energy supplies. The L3 Harris Arabian Fox MAST-13, a 13-meter (41-foot) speedboat carrying sensors and cameras, drew the attention of Iran's Revolutionary Guard, but took place without incident. Two U.S. Coast Guard cutters, the USCGC Charles Moulthrope and USCGC John Scheuerman, accompanied the drone. The trip saw the drone safely pass with the accompanying ships through the strait, a busy waterway between Iran and Oman. Iran views the Navy's presence as an affront, comparing it to its forces running patrols in the Gulf of Mexico.

Iranian state media did not acknowledge the drone voyage. Iran's mission to the UN did not respond to a request for comment. The 5th Fleet launched a special drone task force last year, aiming to have a fleet of 100 unmanned drones operating in the region with America's allies. Iran briefly seized several of the American drones being tested in the region, but there hasn't been any similar incident since. The MAST-13 now is operating in the Gulf of Oman, where a maritime shadow war has played out. The MAST-13's video feeds can transmit images back to shore and to ships at sea, enabling sailors to better monitor what is happening.