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US Navy Tests Jet-Powered JDAM for Affordable Long-Range Strikes

US Navy Tests Jet-Powered JDAM for Affordable Long-Range Strikes

The US Navy has successfully tested a new air-launched, jet-powered bomb, marking a significant advancement towards deploying an affordable cruise-missile-like munition. This new bomb is a long-range variant of the Navy's Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) and can be launched from F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets. The tests, conducted off the coast of California, demonstrated the bomb's safe separation from the aircraft, integration with existing systems, and precision navigation over a distance of approximately 200 nautical miles. Unlike standard JDAMs, which are unpowered and rely on gravity, this variant is equipped with a small turbojet engine, effectively transforming it into a precision cruise missile. Boeing, the manufacturer, describes this development as a 'game-changing' improvement for precision strike missions, offering a range of over 300 nautical miles with a 500-pound warhead.
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Underwater Cables' Vulnerability Poses Global Security Risk Amid Middle East Conflict

Underwater Cables' Vulnerability Poses Global Security Risk Amid Middle East Conflict

The ongoing conflict with Iran has highlighted vulnerabilities in global infrastructure, particularly the undersea fiber-optic cables that carry over 95% of global data and voice call traffic. These cables, which are crucial for daily commerce and communication, are largely unmonitored and inadequately protected, making them susceptible to damage or sabotage. Recent incidents in the Baltic Sea, where cables were severed, have underscored this risk. The U.S. and European intelligence agencies have noted that poorly maintained vessels may have caused these damages, but the potential for adversaries to exploit these vulnerabilities remains a significant concern. The situation is exacerbated by the development of technology capable of cutting cables at great depths, as well as the increasing reliance on these cables for artificial intelligence and clean energy projects.
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The Latest: US Navy seizure of Iranian ship casts doubt on fresh talks in Pakistan

The Latest: US Navy seizure of Iranian ship casts doubt on fresh talks in Pakistan

The U.S. Navy's seizure of an Iranian-flagged cargo ship has cast doubt on President Donald Trump's announcement of upcoming talks with Iran
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Exail's DriX H-9 USV Selected for Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Research

Exail's DriX H-9 USV Selected for Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Research

Exail's DriX H-9 unmanned surface vehicle (USV) has been chosen by an unspecified defense research organization for research into counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) operations. Announced on April 16, 2026, the DriX H-9 will be equipped with advanced sensor technologies designed to detect, track, and mitigate aerial threats. This system adapts proven C-UAS technology initially developed for land platforms to the maritime domain. The H-9 variant is a long-range version of the DriX USV, featuring a displacement of 2.1 tonnes, a length of 9 meters, an endurance of up to 20 days, and a range of 2,000 nautical miles. This development follows several recent defense acquisitions of the DriX USV, including orders from the innovation branch of a leading navy and France's Naval Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service (SHOM).
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US Navy Seizes Iranian Cargo Ship Amid Rising Tensions

US Navy Seizes Iranian Cargo Ship Amid Rising Tensions

The US Navy has seized an Iranian cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman, escalating tensions between the two nations. The incident occurred when US forces fired several rounds at the ship's engine room, according to military sources. This action has cast doubt on the continuation of US-Iran peace talks, which were expected to enter a second round soon. The current ceasefire between the US and Iran is set to expire shortly, adding to the uncertainty surrounding diplomatic efforts. The seizure of the ship has prompted a warning from Iran's military, which has threatened retaliation, further complicating the geopolitical landscape in the region.
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Boeing Introduces GBU-75 Powered JDAM for Enhanced Naval Capabilities

Boeing Introduces GBU-75 Powered JDAM for Enhanced Naval Capabilities

Boeing has unveiled the GBU-75, a turbojet-powered Joint Direct Attack Munition Long Range (JDAM-LR) for the U.S. Navy. This new munition, demonstrated in early April, transforms a glide bomb into a powered weapon, allowing pilots to engage targets from safer distances. The GBU-75, equipped with a Kratos TDI TJ85 turbojet engine and a wingkit, achieved a range of approximately 200 nautical miles during tests. This development is part of the Navy's efforts to enhance its precision strike capabilities, providing greater standoff range in contested environments.
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US Navy Intercepts Iranian Vessel Near Strait of Hormuz

US Navy Intercepts Iranian Vessel Near Strait of Hormuz

The U.S. Navy intercepted an Iranian-flagged vessel, the Touska, near the Strait of Hormuz after it ignored warnings from U.S. forces. The Navy disabled the ship before Marines boarded it. This incident occurred on April 19 and is part of ongoing tensions in the region. The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic waterway, and the presence of military forces from both the U.S. and Iran has led to several confrontations in the past. The interception of the Touska underscores the fragile security situation in the area.
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US Navy Tests New Long-Range JDAM-LR Munition Extending Strike Range

US Navy Tests New Long-Range JDAM-LR Munition Extending Strike Range

The U.S. Navy has successfully tested a new long-range variant of the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM), known as the JDAM-LR, which extends the strike range of carrier-based fighter aircraft. The test was conducted using an F/A-18 Super Hornet at the Navy’s Point Mugu Sea Range in California. The JDAM-LR incorporates a compact propulsion system, including a turbojet engine and deployable wings, allowing it to travel up to 200 nautical miles. This development builds on the existing JDAM technology, which converts unguided bombs into precision-guided munitions. The recent tests validated the munition's safe separation from aircraft, controlled flight capabilities, and compatibility with existing systems. Boeing, the developer, emphasized the cost-effectiveness of the JDAM-LR for long-range strike missions.
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U.S. Navy Seizes Iranian Vessel, President Trump Warns of Infrastructure Destruction

U.S. Navy Seizes Iranian Vessel, President Trump Warns of Infrastructure Destruction

The U.S. Navy has seized an Iranian-flagged vessel at the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz, according to President Trump. This action has prompted Iran to vow a swift response. The seizure is part of ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, with President Trump warning that Iran's critical infrastructure could be destroyed if the regime does not agree to a peace deal. The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic chokepoint for global oil shipments, and any conflict in this area could have significant implications for international trade and security.
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US Navy Seizes Iranian-Flagged Ship Amid Tensions Over Ceasefire Violations

US Navy Seizes Iranian-Flagged Ship Amid Tensions Over Ceasefire Violations

The USS Spruance, a US destroyer, intercepted and seized the Iranian-flagged vessel 'Touska' as it was heading towards an Iranian port. This action was taken in response to the ship allegedly violating a blockade. The incident has escalated tensions between the US and Iran, with Iran's military condemning the seizure as a breach of the temporary ceasefire agreement between the two nations. In retaliation, Iran has been accused of firing on ships attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, further complicating the situation. The US Central Command released footage of the seizure, highlighting the ongoing maritime security challenges in the region.
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US Military Seizes Iranian-Flagged Ship Attempting to Breach Blockade

US Military Seizes Iranian-Flagged Ship Attempting to Breach Blockade

The U.S. military has taken custody of an Iranian-flagged container ship named TOUSKA after it attempted to breach an American naval blockade near the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump announced the incident, stating that a U.S. Navy guided missile destroyer warned the ship to stop in the Gulf of Oman. When the vessel did not comply, the U.S. Navy fired on the ship, damaging its engine room. The TOUSKA, which is under U.S. Treasury sanctions for previous illegal activities, was intercepted near Iran's border with Pakistan. The Iranian government has not yet commented on the incident. This military action raises questions about the potential extension of a ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, as tensions in the region continue to escalate.
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U.S. Navy Seizes Iranian Vessel in Gulf of Oman Blockade

U.S. Navy Seizes Iranian Vessel in Gulf of Oman Blockade

The U.S. Navy has seized an Iranian container ship, marking the first use of kinetic enforcement in a blockade of Iran's seaports. President Trump announced that the ship, named Touska, was intercepted by the USS Spruance after ignoring warnings. The vessel was stopped by firing into its engine room, and U.S. Marines subsequently boarded and took control. This action is part of a selective blockade aimed at restricting Iran's maritime activities. The blockade allows empty tankers to pass, providing Iran with floating storage, but blocks laden vessels, impacting Iran's oil export capabilities.