US Navy during mine clearance training. Photo by US Navy

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The U.S. Navy is seeking ways to clear underwater mines in order to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. While a range of advanced technologies are being discussed, it has been reported that Navy-trained dolphins are also under consideration. Dolphins, known for their ability to track hunters using echolocation and their high intelligence, are considered ideal for mine detection. The U.S. Navy has been training dolphins since the Vietnam War and deployed them in combat during the Iraq War in 2003.

On April 19 (local time), the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that the U.S. Navy is preparing mine-clearing equipment to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Typically, the Navy deploys specialized vessels and helicopters designed for mine removal, launches remote platforms from unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), or uses unmanned underwater vehicles to search for and destroy mines. Highly trained Navy divers may also be directly assigned to detonation missions. However, it is reported that this time, Navy dolphins are also being prepared for deployment.

Dolphins are trained using a method where they receive food as a reward upon completing their tasks. U.S. Navy Museum website

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In fact, dolphins have been classified as mine-clearing assets by the U.S. Navy for decades. During the 1960s, when the Vietnam War broke out, the U.S. military launched the "U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program" (NMMP) and began training dolphins as "mine hunters." Dolphins use echolocation to track prey underwater, and their average intelligence quotient (IQ) is between 70 and 80, making them highly intelligent animals. They are capable of identifying and remembering the locations of mines, and even executing retrieval commands, demonstrating exceptional potential.

Today, Navy dolphins are trained alongside sailors at naval training facilities within the continental United States. The Atlantic bottlenose dolphin is reportedly selected as the most suitable candidate for these operations.

A U.S. military sea lion undergoing an auditory test. The U.S. Navy is known to invest significant resources in the welfare and health of marine animals used for mine detection. U.S. Navy Museum website

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Dolphins have already been deployed in real-world operations. During the Iraq War in 2003, the U.S. military deployed numerous dolphin "agents"-including Tacoma, Makai, Jeffe, Kalili, Kona, and Punani-along the Iraqi coast. Their mission was to search for mines laid by Iraqi forces. Thanks to their efforts, it is reported that British warships were able to arrive in Iraq in time to deliver relief supplies.

According to a paper published by James Madison University after the war, the dolphins searched 913 nautical miles (about 1,690 km) of sea over several weeks following the outbreak of the Iraq War, inspected 237 objects, and recovered or directly destroyed more than 100 mines. After the Iraq War, it was reported that the U.S. military maintained at least 120 "Navy marine mammals"-including Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and sea lions.

On the 14th (local time) in London, UK, BAE Systems' Archerfish mine countermeasure system was exhibited at the Undersea Defense Technology Trade Show. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News.

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