00:03A billion-dollar military machine, a low-cost kamikaze drone, and a mid-air collision that
00:11sounds almost impossible.
00:14But according to U.S. and Iranian accounts, that is exactly what happened over the Strait
00:20of Hormuz.
00:21An American Apache attack helicopter, one of the most feared combat helicopters in the
00:27world, was brought down not by a missile, not by a fighter jet, but by an Iranian Shahed
00:34drone.
00:36The incident has stunned military analysts and highlighted a new reality of modern warfare.
00:43Sometimes the biggest threat comes from the cheapest weapon.
00:47According to statements from President Donald Trump and U.S. officials, the incident occurred
00:52during a routine maritime patrol mission over the Strait of Hormuz.
00:57The AH-64 Apache was operating in one of the world's most heavily contested airspaces when
01:04it encountered Iranian drone activity.
01:07What happened next was extraordinary.
01:10Officials say a Shahed-type one-way attack drone collided directly with the helicopter.
01:16Rather than exploding immediately, the drone reportedly became lodged inside the cockpit area.
01:23According to Trump's account, the aircraft penetrated the cockpit space and became trapped between
01:30the two pilots.
01:31For a brief moment, the helicopter was still flying, but the danger was only beginning.
01:37The engine, fuel, and damaged components created intense heat and fire inside the aircraft.
01:44The cockpit began filling with smoke.
01:47Critical systems were affected, and the pilots suddenly found themselves flying a burning helicopter
01:53over open water.
01:55Military officials say the crew fought to maintain control as the aircraft rapidly deteriorated.
02:02With the helicopter no longer safely flyable, the pilots made a desperate decision.
02:07They ditched the Apache into the waters of the Strait of Hormuz.
02:12Remarkably, both aviators survived the impact.
02:15After entering the water, they waited for rescue while U.S. military assets scrambled to locate
02:21them.
02:22Approximately two hours later, they were recovered by a U.S. Navy unmanned surface vessel.
02:29Officials described the operation as the first known military personnel rescue by an unmanned
02:35naval craft.
02:36President Trump later called the entire episode a miracle.
02:40Had the drone's warhead detonated inside the cockpit, survival would have been virtually
02:46impossible.
02:47The incident also raises a larger military question.
02:52How could a relatively inexpensive Shahed 136 bring down one of America's most advanced helicopters?
02:59The answer lies in the nature of the threat.
03:02The Shahed 136 was designed as a one-way attack drone.
03:07It is relatively slow compared to fighter aircraft, but it can be extremely dangerous against low-flying
03:14targets.
03:15Attack helicopters often operate at lower altitudes and slower speeds than jets.
03:21That makes them potentially vulnerable to sudden close-range encounters.
03:25A low-cost drone forced the loss of a highly sophisticated combat helicopter.
03:32The incident has already influenced military planning.
03:36Shortly afterward, the United States launched retaliatory strikes against Iranian radar systems,
03:42drone facilities, and command sites near the Strait of Hormuz.
03:46For defense planners around the world, the lesson is becoming increasingly clear.
03:52The age of inexpensive drones is reshaping warfare.
03:56And even the most advanced aircraft are no longer immune from unconventional threats.
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