An unconventional American option for removing mines.. Will the dolphin become Washington’s weapon in the Strait of Hormuz?

In light of the escalation of tension in the Strait of Hormuz and the almost complete disruption of navigation, unconventional scenarios are being put forward that the United States may resort to to reopen the sea lane, in the event of the absence of European support or the complexity of the field situation.

Among these scenarios, the option of using trained dolphins to help detect sea mines stands out.

According to a report by the Financial Times, the United States relies on a combination of modern technologies and traditional methods in its mine clearance operations.

This includes specialized ships, helicopters equipped with laser detection systems, in addition to unmanned underwater vehicles equipped with sonar devices and sensitive cameras, in addition to coastal combat ships used in such missions.

However, the report indicates that this fleet suffers from relatively limited numbers compared to the size of the potential challenges.

This shortage may open the door to unconventional solutions, including the use of dolphins trained to detect sea mines.

This technology has previously been used in various military contexts, and has proven effective in monitoring objects buried at the bottom of the sea, sometimes with greater accuracy than some automated systems in complex environments.

The report indicates that clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz represents a complex challenge, combining the military dimension, political sensitivity, and impact on global energy markets.

It is noteworthy that dolphins are characterized by advanced sensory capabilities, most notably the use of “echolocation,” which enables them to monitor underwater objects with high accuracy.

It also has the ability to learn and train, which makes it usable in complex tasks within difficult maritime environments.

However, their use remains part of a support system and is not a complete replacement for modern technologies.