By akademiotoelektronik, 25/03/2022
Joint U.S.-Bahrain naval exercise in the Gulf
The United States and Bahrain conducted a joint naval exercise dubbed "New Horizon" in Gulf waters on Tuesday, with the US Navy using surface marine drones for the first time in the Middle East.
"Two MANTAS T-12 unmanned vessels" were "launched" during the exercise, US Navy spokesman Tim Hawkins told AFP.
The use of these marine drones could help strengthen measures "to maintain regional stability and security", added Mr. Hawkins.
The US 5th Fleet, whose headquarters is based in Manama, capital of Bahrain, announced in September the launch of a new task force in the Gulf. Named "Task force 59", it integrates unmanned systems and artificial intelligence.
This announcement by the Central Command of the American Naval Forces (Navcent), came in the context of tensions in the waters of the Gulf between Iran and Israel, two enemy countries. Bahrain normalized its relations with Israel in 2020.
Since February, ships linked to Iran and Israel have been the target of attacks in the Gulf.
In August, Iran dismissed Western accusations that it was behind a deadly attack in the Arabian Sea on an oil tanker run by the company of an Israeli billionaire.
Bahrain overlooks the Strait of Hormuz, which is particularly vulnerable due to its narrow width, less than 40 kilometers, and its depth, which does not exceed 60 meters. In addition, this strait remains the almost exclusive navigation route to connect the oil-producing countries of the Gulf to world markets.
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