4 Feb 2026

Tensions in the Arabian Sea escalated when a US Navy F-35C shot down an Iranian Shahed 139 drone approaching the USS Abraham Lincoln. Shortly after, Iranian fastboats and a drone attempted to board a US flag tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, but were deterred by a US Navy destroyer. These incidents occurred amidst ongoing nuclear talks, raising concerns about Iran’s intentions and highlighting the US Navy’s capabilities in countering such threats.

The US Navy is likely prepared to counter a potential Iranian drone swarm attack on its carrier strike group. The Navy’s layered defence system includes F-35C fighters equipped with laser-guided rockets, EA-18G Growler aircraft for electronic warfare, and the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS McFaul with SM-6 missiles and a close-in weapon system. The Navy is also testing anti-drone ...