The following is the Nov. 17, 2021 Congressional Research Service In Focus report, Defense Primer: U.S. Policy on Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems. Read More
Category Archives: Iran
Pentagon Says Iranian Helicopter Made ‘Unprofessional’ Pass Within 25 yards of USS Essex
ARABIAN GULF The amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD-2) transits the Arabian Gulf during flight operations on Nov. 13. US Navy Photo
An Iranian Navy helicopter came within 25 feet of the USS Essex (LHD-2) while the ship was in the Gulf of Oman, the Pentagon confirmed Monday. Read More
USNI News Fleet and Marine Tracker: Nov. 15, 2021
USNI News Graphic
These are the approximate positions of the U.S. Navy’s deployed carrier strike groups and amphibious ready groups throughout the world as of Nov. 15, 2021, based on Navy and public data. In cases where a CSG or ARG is conducting disaggregated operations, the chart reflects the location of the capital ship. Read More
Iran Releases Tanker Sothys After Offloading Oil, Questions Remain Over Seizure
Image from Iranian television of the tanker Sothys and a U.S. destroyer on Oct. 24, 2021.
A tanker once full of crude oil is back at sea more than two weeks after the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy took control of the merchant ship in the Gulf of Oman, Iranian officials said on Wednesday. Read More
Navy Arming Surface Ships with Drone Repellent System
Gunner’s Mate Kyle Mendenhall shows the Drone Restricted Access Using Known Electromagnetic Warfare (DRAKE) system aboard USS Kansas City (LCS-22) on Aug. 16, 2021. USNI News Photo
ABOARD THE LITTORAL COMBAT SHIP USS KANSAS CITY, OFF THE COAST OF CALIFORNIA – With the use of drones becoming more prevalent, the Navy has found a way to ensure all of its surface ships can repel unmanned aerial vehicles. Read More
HASC Chairman Sees Future for Aircraft Carriers, Questions Cost
U.S. Rep. Adam Smith, Chairman of the House Armed Service Committee, is briefed on the capabilities of the F-35A Lightning II during his visit at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., Oct. 10, 2019. The congressman learned about several aspects of the 56th Fighter Wing F-35 pilot training and how the wing works to enhance lethality and readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jensen Stidham)
Questioning the $12 billion price tag of new aircraft carriers, the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee said “presence still matters” in reassuring allies in the Persian Gulf and the South China Sea so they have a role in future strategy. Read More
U.S. Says New Iranian ‘Kamikaze’ Drone Killed Two in Merchant Ship Attack; U.K., U.S. Condemn Tehran for Attack
U.S. Central Command Photo
A one-way, explosive-laden drone made in Iran attacked an Israeli-operated merchant tanker last week off the coast of Oman, U.S. Central Command said on Friday. Read More
U.S. Navy Says Explosive Drone Attack Killed Two on Merchant Tanker
Undated photo of Tanker Mercer Street. Photo via Marine Traffic
This post has been updated with a map of the approximate location of the attack.
An exploding drone killed two crew members aboard a merchant tanker off the coast of Oman, U.S. 5th Fleet said in a late Friday statement. Read More
Iran’s Largest Warship, Frigate Now in the Baltic Sea Bound for Russia
IRINS Makran passes through the Great Belt strait in Denmark en route to the Baltic Sea on July 22, 2021. Photo by @shipoholic used with permission
This post has been updated with additional information from the Danish Armed Forces.
Iran’s largest warship is now in the Baltic Sea – a first for the Iranian Navy – according to photos from ship spotters provided to USNI News. Read More
Two Iranian Warships Spotted Near English Channel
H I Sutton Graphic
Two Iranian warships are nearing the English Channel, according to satellite photographs reviewed by USNI News. The ships are thought to be headed to the Baltic Sea to represent Iran in a July 25 naval parade off the coast of St. Petersburg to commemorate the 325th anniversary of the Russian Navy. Read More
