An AH-64 Apache US Army attack helicopter crashed near the Strait of Hormuz while patrolling regional waters close to Oman on June 8, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. The helicopter was a highly advanced attack model capable of carrying missiles, rockets, and a chain gun, with a crew of two and a top speed of 182 miles per hour [3].
The two crew members were rescued safely by an American sea drone operated by US military Task Force 59 after approximately two hours. The rescue, completed at 23:33 GMT on June 8, marked the first time US forces used a sea drone for personnel recovery [1, 2, 3]. The drone type is disputed; some sources say it was a Saronic Corsair naval drone, while others describe it only as a sea drone with a speed boat-like design [1, 3].
US Central Command reported the two soldiers are in stable condition following the rescue [1, 2, 4]. The precise cause of the crash remains under investigation. It is unclear whether it resulted from mechanical failure or Iranian fire [1, 3].
President Donald Trump accused Iran of shooting down the Apache and vowed a US response. "There were two pilots involved, both are safe and uninjured. Nevertheless, the United States must, of necessity, respond to this attack," Trump said on June 9 [2]. He also warned Iran would "pay the price" for delaying negotiations and accused Tehran of "playing us for suckers" [4].
Following the incident, US forces carried out retaliatory strikes against Iranian targets inside Iran on June 10, citing Iran's ongoing aggression as justification [4, 3].
US officials continue to investigate the cause of the crash while maintaining heightened military readiness in the region. The next expected public update will come from US Central Command as the investigation and operational assessments progress.
