PERSIAN GULF — The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group successfully repelled a massive swarm attack by over 150 Iranian drones in the Persian Gulf on Thursday, the U.S. Navy confirmed, in what military analysts are calling one of the largest drone warfare engagements in naval history.
The attack began at approximately 0300 local time when radar systems detected a large formation of drones launching from Iranian territory and from vessels in the Persian Gulf. The carrier group's defensive systems, including CIWS (Close-In Weapon Systems), Standard Missiles, and electronic warfare platforms, engaged the swarm over a 40-minute period.
All drones were successfully neutralized before reaching the carrier, though two escort vessels sustained minor damage from near-misses. Three American sailors were treated for minor injuries. The Abraham Lincoln itself was unharmed.
"Our sailors performed brilliantly under extreme pressure," said Rear Admiral commanding the strike group. "This was exactly the scenario our systems and training are designed for."
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps confirmed it had launched the attack, calling it a "warning shot" in response to American support for Israeli operations. IRGC commanders stated that the next attack would target the carrier itself.
The incident has prompted the Pentagon to dispatch additional naval assets to the region, including a second carrier strike group and additional surface combatants. The Strait of Hormuz has been placed under elevated security protocols.