Opinion

Apache helicopter gunships showed off their power cleaning up the Strait of Hormuz

Despite losing one helicopter, the AH-64E gunships continue to dominate shipping lanes

By Rebecca Grant Fox News

Published June 17, 2026 5:00am EDT

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Trump's reveals new details on Iran drone attack downing US Apache helicopter

Fox News' Trey Yingst reports on the downing of a U.S. Army Apache helicopter by an Iranian drone and the 'miracle' rescue after the crew was saved by an unmanned sea drone for the first time in U.S. military history.

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Despite the combat loss of an Apache helicopter on June 8, these formidable helicopter gunships are playing a major role in reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Oil tankers, container ships and bulkers are eager to get underway. President Donald Trump said on Monday, June 15, that "a lot of lanes" are open. "Pathways are available to all vessels not violating the blockade," according to U.S. Central Command, adding that, "U.S. forces are postured to defend against Iranian aggression."

But even as the Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran is finalized, international shippers are still nervous. "We still consider it very risky for ships to commence transits," Jakob Larsen, chief safety and security officer........

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