- Iran claims to have captured a US underwater drone similar to Anduril's Dive-LD.
- The drone can operate at depths of up to 6,000 meters and operate independently for up to 10 days.
- Underwater drones are becoming an increasingly important component of naval warfare, capable of performing missions without risking personnel.
- The flexibility of unmanned systems allows them to be configured with different sensors for various missions, reducing naval risk.
According to reports, Iran claims to have captured a US underwater drone. The device is said to have been seized by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps near the Strait of Hormuz. Reports indicate that the captured apparatus closely resembles the Dive-LD underwater drone developed by US company Anduril. The Dive-LD is capable of performing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, as well as mine warfare and precise placement operations. This underwater device can operate independently for up to 10 days and integrates open software, mechanical, and electrical interfaces to enable seamless integration and rapid configuration of various payloads and sensors, providing relevant and impactful capabilities.
The device is capable of operating at ocean depths of up to 6,000 meters.
Technical Features of the Drone
Anduril also claims that the Dive-LD combines exceptional payload flexibility, low logistics requirements, and superior performance, supporting a variety of defense and commercial missions. On September 8, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that it had seized a US unmanned underwater vehicle at the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz. Photos released by Iranian media show that the device closely resembles the Dive-LD automated underwater system developed by Anduril.
Importance in Naval Warfare
The significance of this incident lies not only in the loss of an unmanned device but also in the fact that underwater drones are becoming an increasingly important component of naval warfare. Unlike traditional submarines, automated underwater devices can perform extended missions without placing crew members in direct danger. The device is approximately 5.8 meters long, 1.2 meters in diameter, and weighs about 3 tons, designed for long-duration operations and capable of operating at depths of up to 6,000 meters, depending on configuration and mission requirements.
An important feature of systems like Dive-LD is their flexibility. Depending on the mission, autonomous underwater drones can be configured with different sensors and payloads, allowing a single basic platform to perform multiple tasks without the need for traditional manned submarines. For navies, this offers an attractive option: relatively small unmanned devices can enter hazardous waters to gather information, survey the seabed, or search for mines without risking sailors. Navies can deploy unmanned devices for specific missions without placing dozens of sailors on a submarine.
Some unmanned devices may be relatively inexpensive compared to manned submarines, while others are designed for longer distances and more complex operations. The United States and its allies have invested heavily in this concept. For example, Anduril is developing large-scale automated underwater systems while simultaneously advancing smaller devices like Dive-LD. Additionally, Australia is collaborating with Anduril on the Ghost Shark ultra-large automated underwater vehicle program.
Impact of Underwater Drones on Naval Strategy
The development of underwater drones reflects a shift in modern naval strategy, as these devices can operate in high-risk environments and enhance operational efficiency. Compared to traditional submarines, unmanned systems can conduct prolonged intelligence gathering and reconnaissance without endangering personnel, which is crucial for the strategic deployment of naval forces. Furthermore, the flexibility of unmanned devices allows navies to quickly adapt to different mission requirements, further enhancing operational flexibility and responsiveness.