US Deploys AI-Powered Underwater Drones to Counter Iranian Mine Threat

WASHINGTON, May 1: The United States Navy is expanding its use of artificial intelligence to counter potential maritime threats in the Strait of Hormuz, as part of efforts to secure one of the world’s most critical oil and shipping routes.

According to a Reuters report, the Navy has signed a contract worth up to $100 million with technology firm Domino Data Lab to develop AI-powered systems capable of detecting naval mines, including newer and more sophisticated types believed to be deployed by Iran. The initiative reflects a shift from traditional ship-based mine-hunting to faster, data-driven methods.

Under the program, underwater drones equipped with advanced AI will be able to identify and classify mines within days, significantly reducing the time required compared to conventional approaches, which can take months. Officials say this capability is expected to enhance the Navy’s ability to respond quickly to threats in the strategically vital waterway.

The move comes amid ongoing regional tensions and concerns over the potential use of naval mines to disrupt commercial shipping in the narrow strait, a key chokepoint linking the Gulf to global markets.

In a separate development, the US Navy demonstrated its operational readiness by conducting an at-sea replenishment of the guided-missile destroyer USS Delbert D. Black, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM).

The operation enabled the vessel to receive fuel, food, munitions, and other essential supplies while remaining at sea, eliminating the need to return to port. Such replenishment missions are critical for maintaining a sustained naval presence in sensitive and strategically important regions.

Together, these developments highlight the Navy’s focus on both technological innovation and operational endurance as it addresses evolving security challenges in the Gulf.