By Palestine Chronicle Staff  

A US Apache helicopter crashed near the Strait of Hormuz as investigators worked to determine the cause.

Key Developments

• The New York Times reported that a US Army Apache helicopter crashed near the Strait of Hormuz on Monday.
• Both crew members were rescued safely, while the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
• The incident marks the first reported loss of a US Apache helicopter since the war with Iran began on February 28.

Apache Helicopter Goes Down near Hormuz

The New York Times reported on Tuesday, citing two sources briefed on the matter, that a US Army AH-64 Apache attack helicopter crashed near the Strait of Hormuz on Monday.

According to the report, the two crew members aboard the aircraft were rescued safely following the incident.

One source told the newspaper that investigators have not yet determined whether the helicopter was brought down by Iranian fire, suffered a mechanical failure, or experienced another technical problem.

US President Donald Trump later confirmed that the crew members were unharmed but did not provide additional details, saying a report would be released at a later stage.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has not publicly commented on the incident.

Breaking news: A U.S. Army Apache helicopter went down near the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, and the two crew members were said to be safely rescued.https://t.co/FQAfhwtx5l

— The New York Times (@nytimes) June 9, 2026

Investigation Continues

According to the Times, the crash occurred amid fluctuating tensions between Iran, Israel and the United States following recent military exchanges and subsequent ceasefire efforts.

The newspaper noted that this would be the first reported Apache helicopter loss since the war with Iran began on February 28.

The incident follows previous losses suffered by US forces during the conflict, including approximately 30 MQ-9 Reaper drones reportedly shot down by Iran, as well as several American fighter aircraft lost to hostile or friendly fire.

The paper also reported that Apache helicopters have increasingly operated closer to Iranian-controlled territory in and around the Strait of Hormuz as part of Washington’s efforts to challenge Iran’s effective closure of the strategic waterway.

#US President #DonaldTrump: Pilots are 'fine' after US Army's #Apache helicopter crashed near #StraitofHormuz https://t.co/4yhxx7q5TL pic.twitter.com/k4xmy9XaEF

— ShanghaiEye🚀official (@ShanghaiEye) June 9, 2026

Strategic Role of the Apache

The AH-64 Apache is among the most heavily armed and maneuverable attack helicopters in the US arsenal.

The helicopter is equipped with a 30mm M230E1 automatic cannon, Hellfire precision-guided missiles and additional air-to-air weapons systems, enabling it to conduct close support and precision strike missions.

According to Al-Jazeera, Apache helicopters have been deployed alongside MQ-9 Reaper drones and F/A-18 and F-35 aircraft as part of US military operations connected to the confrontation with Iran and efforts to counter restrictions on maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

The aircraft has also played a role in deterring attacks by small boats and intercepting drones operating in the region.

The crash occurred near one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.

The Strait of Hormuz remains at the center of escalating tensions following Iran’s restrictions on commercial shipping in response to US-Israeli military operations.

(PC, NYT, Al-Jazeera)