• Source:JND

The US has deployed two advanced warships to assist in countering growing threats in the Strait of Hormuz. The US Central Command has started preparing for a potential mine-clearing operation in the region.

The USS Frank E. Peterson and USS Michael Murphy, two Navy guided-missile destroyers, conducted missions along the vital international oil route. The goal is to locate and eliminate naval mines that may have been dropped into the water and are purportedly connected to Iran. Ships, notably oil tankers, can be destroyed by these mines.

ALSO READ: Did You Know Asha Bhosle And Lata Mangeshkar Died On The Same Day, Same Age?

"The two ships transited the Strait of Hormuz and operated in the Arabian Gulf as part of a broader mission to ensure the strait is fully clear of sea mines previously laid by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC)," stated the US military commander.

The Navy uses robotic machines, unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), such as the Mk 18 and Mod 2 Kingfish, instead of sending ships into mined areas.

These autonomous torpedo-shaped drones survey the seabed and find hidden explosives using sophisticated sonar.

You May Also Like To Watch- 

Helicopters To Scan Sea

Furthermore, the US has deployed helicopters such as the MH-60S, which use a unique laser system known as the Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS) to scan the sea from above and immediately identify mines floating on or just below the surface.

With the Aegis Combat System and cutting-edge interceptor missiles that can identify and eliminate airborne or surface threats, including those from the IRGC, two destroyers are not only helping with mine clearance but also offering robust defense.

The Airborne Mine Neutralization technology (AMNS), another remote-controlled technology, is used to neutralize mines once they are located, either by a drone or a helicopter. A tiny robotic gadget is sent by this system, which goes straight to the mine and detonates adjacent to it. US Admiral Brad Coop stated, "We started the process of creating a new passage today, and we will soon share this safe pathway with the maritime industry to encourage the free flow of commerce."

ALSO READ: Indian Coffee Trade Faces Major Setback; Rising Costs, Blocked Routes Spark Export Crisis

The continuous dispute between the US, Israel, and Iran has left almost 800 ships stuck in the area for weeks.

After Iran successfully blocked access through the Strait of Hormuz, which transports almost 20 per cent of the world's natural gas and oil supplies, the situation deteriorated. Additionally, the blockade has caused oil prices to rise above $100 per barrel globally.

 


Also In News