A US Navy surface drone located and saved two American soldiers after their Apache helicopter went down off the coast of Oman, according to a military official who spoke on Tuesday.

The drone's role in the operation marks what appears to be a first for the US military and aligns with ongoing Pentagon efforts to incorporate uncrewed systems into everyday missions.

US Central Command reported that forces pulled two US Army AH-64 Apache crew members from the water early Tuesday local time after the helicopter crashed during a patrol over regional waters.

The soldiers were brought to safety in about two hours and remain in stable condition, CENTCOM noted, while investigators continue to examine what caused the incident.

Rescue coordination involved the Army's 82nd Airborne Division, a specialized unit known for rapid parachute assaults and crisis response.

Thousands of its soldiers had arrived in the Middle East earlier under Operation Epic Fury, which started at the end of February as officials considered ground options near Iran, though their exact duties have stayed unclear since.

The mission also drew support from the US Air Force and Navy units, notably Task Force 59, which focuses on testing drones and artificial intelligence for maritime tasks.

A CENTCOM spokesperson confirmed to Business Insider that a Task Force 59 surface drone found and recovered the crew.

The US military has lost numerous aircraft of various types in the Middle East since the Iran conflict began, yet this incident represents the first Apache loss recorded in the area.

These helicopters, operated by US forces and allies, carry AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and have engaged Iranian small boats near the Strait of Hormuz.

The event unfolded during a delicate months-long ceasefire between the US and Iran, with both sides exchanging fire in recent days even as President Donald Trump stated a deal is close.

On Friday the military conducted strikes on Iranian radar sites after intercepting missiles and drones aimed at the Strait of Hormuz and nearby Gulf states, while on Monday Israel and Iran exchanged further strikes that tested the truce.