Pentagon Addresses Rumors of 'Kamikaze Dolphins' Amidst Military Use of Marine Mammals
During a recent Pentagon briefing, officials addressed rumors about Iran's alleged use of 'kamikaze dolphins' in military operations. While the Pentagon dismissed these claims, the discussion highlighted the U.S. military's long-standing use of marine mammals, particularly dolphins, for tasks such as mine detection and harbor defense. The U.S. Navy's Marine Mammal Program, active since the late 1950s, trains dolphins and sea lions for various missions, leveraging their natural sonar capabilities. Despite technological advancements, dolphins remain unmatched in certain underwater detection tasks. The program continues to operate, focusing on non-lethal roles, despite past controversies over alleged training for offensive purposes.