Global
Iran announced starting reverse engineering a U.S. unmanned submersible, a Dive-LD model, recently retrieved from the Strait of Hormuz. Brigadier General Hossein Mohabbi, Revolutionary Guard spokesperson, stated the vessel has advanced technologies. Experts will examine and study it, a step Tehran calls proof of its ability to handle U.S. military equipment. The Revolutionary Guard had previously announced seizing this unmanned vehicle, describing it as a modern model expected for the U.S. fleet in 2025. Its capture, they said, occurred during a "qualitative operation" in the strait. Conversely, the U.S. military offered a different account. It confirmed the autonomous maritime vehicle, made by Anduril, suffered a technical malfunction before Iranian forces recovered it, stationary. U.S. Central Command clarified the submersible is an older model, not gathering sensitive data or carrying classified sonar/radar equipment. The "Dive-LD" is a large unmanned maritime vehicle, designed for reconnaissance, surveillance, and long-range underwater operations, capable of functioning for days without direct human intervention. Analysts suggest the seizure might allow Iran to examine mechanical components and study some design features. However, they rule out a decisive military advantage, given the vessel's software includes protection measures limiting access to its internal systems. They anticipate the incident primarily serves as a propaganda win for Tehran and an embarrassment for Washington. This incident recalls Iran's prior experience with the U.S. RQ-170 stealth reconnaissance drone, seized in 2011. Iran later announced developing local models purportedly inspired by its design.
