Explore

USS United States Took on Privateers in the Quasi-War

USS United States Took on Privateers in the Quasi-War

The USS United States played a crucial role in the Quasi-War with France, a conflict that arose from deteriorating relations between the United Sta...

USS United States Showed Why the Six Frigates Mattered

USS United States Showed Why the Six Frigates Mattered

The USS United States was a key player in the War of 1812, a conflict between the United States and Great Britain that tested the young nation's na...

Iranian Tanker Sevda Ablaze Near Jask Following U.S. Navy Strikes

Iranian Tanker Sevda Ablaze Near Jask Following U.S. Navy Strikes

The Iranian-flagged tanker Sevda, part of the so-called 'shadow fleet,' was reported to be on fire near Bandar-e Jask, Iran. Satellite imagery from May 9 shows the vessel, sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control since 2012, emitting smoke and heat, though it remains afloat. The incident follows U.S. Navy strikes on May 6 and May 8, where F/A-18 Super Hornets targeted the Sevda and two other Iranian tankers with cannon fire and precision-guided munitions. These actions aimed to disable the tankers' propulsion and steering systems without sinking them. The Sevda, built in 1999, has been operating with its AIS system off, making trips to China. The strikes are part of broader U.S. efforts to curb Iran's sanctioned oil trade.

US Navy's Use of Dolphins in Military Operations Raises Questions Amidst Strait of Hormuz Tensions

US Navy's Use of Dolphins in Military Operations Raises Questions Amidst Strait of Hormuz Tensions

The US Navy has been utilizing dolphins for military purposes for nearly 70 years, primarily for detecting underwater mines and objects. This practice has come under scrutiny as tensions rise in the Strait of Hormuz, with concerns about Iran potentially using similar tactics. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth recently addressed these concerns, confirming that Iran does not have an active military dolphin unit. However, he did not confirm or deny whether the US employs 'kamikaze dolphins.' The US Navy's Marine Mammal Program trains bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions to locate mines and other underwater hazards, a task where technology still falls short. These animals are not typically deployed in active combat zones but are used post-conflict to ensure safe passage through mined waters.

US Navy Disables Iranian Vessels in Gulf of Oman Amid Blockade

US Navy Disables Iranian Vessels in Gulf of Oman Amid Blockade

The US Navy has disabled three Iranian-flagged vessels in the Gulf of Oman as part of ongoing blockade measures. According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), the vessels were attempting to transit to Iranian ports in violation of the blockade. The US Navy used F/A-18 Super Hornets to disable the vessels, preventing them from reaching their destinations. This action is part of a broader effort to enforce the blockade, which has seen multiple commercial vessels disabled and redirected.

Greek Fishermen Discover Ukrainian Drone Boat, Raising Security Concerns

Greek Fishermen Discover Ukrainian Drone Boat, Raising Security Concerns

Greek fishermen recently discovered a five-meter drone boat of Ukrainian design near the island of Lefkada in the Ionian Sea. The vessel, identified as a Ukrainian Magura V3, was initially treated as a potential explosive device. Greek military EOD specialists dismantled the boat, confirming it had detonators but no explosives. The boat's engine was running, indicating recent operational activity. This incident highlights the risks associated with unmanned vessels losing control, potentially leading to diplomatic incidents or civilian harm. The discovery comes amid suspicions of Ukrainian strikes on Russian vessels in the Mediterranean, although these remain unproven.

Anduril Partners with Rocket Lab for Hypersonic Vehicle Tests

Anduril Partners with Rocket Lab for Hypersonic Vehicle Tests

Anduril Partners with Rocket Lab for Hypersonic Vehicle Tests

Iran Seizes US-Sanctioned Tanker in Gulf of Oman Amid Tensions

Iran Seizes US-Sanctioned Tanker in Gulf of Oman Amid Tensions

Iran has seized a US-sanctioned tanker, the Ocean Koi, carrying Iranian oil in the Gulf of Oman. This action follows a clash between American and Iranian forces in the Strait of Hormuz. The tanker, flagged under Barbados, was intercepted and redirected to Iran's southern coast. Tehran's military claims the seizure was a response to attempts to disrupt oil exports by exploiting regional conditions. The tanker has been under US sanctions since February and has now been handed over to judicial authorities. This incident occurred after the US military conducted 'self-defense' strikes on an Iranian port, following an unprovoked attack on US Navy ships in the region.

Norway Acquires Rafael's Trophy Protection System for Leopard Tanks

Norway Acquires Rafael's Trophy Protection System for Leopard Tanks

Norway has procured the Eurotrophy system, a European version of the Israeli Trophy active protection system, for its Leopard 2A8NOR tanks. This acquisition is part of a broader defense procurement strategy, despite Norway's critical stance towards Israel in diplomatic matters. The Eurotrophy system, developed by a joint venture between Rafael, Germany's KMW, and General Dynamics Land Systems Europe, is designed to protect military armored vehicles from anti-tank threats. The system has been operational since 2010 and is installed on various platforms worldwide, including the US Army's Abrams tanks and the UK's Challenger tanks. This move underscores the importance of advanced protection systems in modern military operations.

US Navy Fighter Jet Disables Iranian Tankers Amid Blockade Enforcement

US Navy Fighter Jet Disables Iranian Tankers Amid Blockade Enforcement

A US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet, operating from the USS George H.W. Bush, disabled two Iranian-flagged oil tankers, the Sea Star III and the Sevda, in the Gulf of Oman. The action was part of the US military's enforcement of a blockade on vessels entering or leaving Iran's ports, which has been in place since mid-April. The tankers were reportedly unladen and attempting to evade the blockade. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) released a video showing the precision strike on the tankers' smokestacks, which resulted in disabling the vessels without causing significant explosions. This incident marks the second and third Iranian ships targeted by US forces in recent days, following a similar action against the M/T Hasna.

U.S. Forces Disable Iranian Tankers Amid Strait of Hormuz Blockade

U.S. Forces Disable Iranian Tankers Amid Strait of Hormuz Blockade

U.S. military forces have disabled two Iranian-flagged oil tankers attempting to cross a U.S. Navy blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. The tankers, M/T Sea Star III and M/T Sevda, were targeted by a U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet, which used precision munitions to disable the vessels before they could reach an Iranian port. This action is part of the U.S. enforcement of a blockade that began on April 12, aimed at preventing vessels from entering or leaving Iran. The blockade has resulted in the turning away of 50 commercial vessels. The recent confrontation follows a series of military engagements in the region, including the destruction of Iranian small boats and missiles by U.S. forces.

U.S. Navy and Industry Begin Design Work on New Battleship

U.S. Navy and Industry Begin Design Work on New Battleship

The U.S. Navy has initiated design work on a new battleship, designated BBG(X), in collaboration with industry partners. Chris Kastner, CEO of HII, one of the shipbuilders involved, announced the commencement of the design phase during a recent earnings call. The Navy's fiscal year 2027 budget request includes approximately $1.8 billion for the BBG(X) program, with $1 billion allocated for advance procurement of the lead ship. The design process will involve engineering and design analysis to support the Navy-led development of the battleship, with a performance period estimated at 72 months.