Iran Captures U.S. Anduril Dive-LD Underwater Drone

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claims to have captured an American underwater drone in the Strait of Hormuz. Photographic evidence shared by the IRGC shows a vehicle that closely matches the Anduril Dive-LD model used by the U.S. Navy.

While the claim is currently uncorroborated by U.S. Authorities, the visual evidence appears credible. The image shows a partially submerged drone whose overall form and specific details, like flood holes and a forward transparent mast, align with the American design.

The captured autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) is a large-displacement model. According to its known specifications, it measures approximately 5.8 meters in length and 1.2 meters in diameter, with a weight around 3 tons.

Anduril describes the Dive-LD as a long-endurance design built for multi-day missions. The company states it has "extensive open interfaces" and "generous payload bays" enabled by additive manufacturing for rapid sensor integration.

U.S. Navy Service and Capabilities

The Dive-LD is known to be in service with the U.S. Navy. It is operated by Unmanned Undersea Vehicle Group (UUVGRU) 1 and Undersea Vehicle Squadron (UUVRON) 3, though operational details remain scarce.

The AUV's primary missions likely include intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) or mine countermeasures (MCM). The payload on the captured vehicle is unclear from available photographs. The drone could also be configured to carry weapons.

A Technological Windfall for Iran

The captured Anduril Dive-LD represents a significant technological leap over Iran's indigenous underwater drone designs. Iran has been a pioneer in developing weaponized underwater drones and has supplied at least two types to the Houthi movement in Yemen.

Analysis of interdicted shipments shows these are pragmatic designs that have evolved over time. Access to the sophisticated American AUV could substantially enhance Iran's own underwater drone capabilities.

Strategic Implications and Alliances

There is a possibility Iran may share the captured technology with its allies, such as Russia or China. This potential transfer could accelerate underwater drone development programs in those countries.

Fresh photos released on September 9, 2026, have confirmed the initial identification. The IRGC has recovered a U.S. Forces' Anduril Dive-LD, most likely belonging to the U.S. Navy. Anduril is also supplying the larger Dive-XL design to the U.S. Navy, a model similar to the Australian Navy's Ghost Shark.