Middle East (Page 2)

Posted on Mar 7, 2025

The U.S. does not know how many weapons the Houthis posses, but praise their innovative abilities.

Houthi Weapons Arsenal Remains A Mystery To The U.S. Houthi Weapons Arsenal Remains A Mystery To The U.S.

Posted on Mar 6, 2025

AGM114R9X seen in action for the first time

Air

Bladed ‘Ginsu’ Hellfire Missile Seen In Action For First Time Bladed ‘Ginsu’ Hellfire Missile Seen In Action For First Time

By Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Mar 1, 2025

The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman is back at sea conducting routine operations after a week in port in Greece for repairs.

Sea

Aircraft Carrier USS Harry S. Truman Back At Sea After Collision Repairs Aircraft Carrier USS Harry S. Truman Back At Sea After Collision Repairs

Posted on Feb 24, 2025

Air

Su-57 Felon’s First Visit To Iran Seen In Satellite Imagery Su-57 Felon’s First Visit To Iran Seen In Satellite Imagery

Posted on Feb 24, 2025

Air

Israel Performs Parade-Like Fighter Jet Flyover For Arch Enemy’s Funeral Israel Performs Parade-Like Fighter Jet Flyover For Arch Enemy’s Funeral

By Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Feb 23, 2025

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon flies a presence patrol over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Feb. 11, 2025. As a highly maneuverable and agile platform with a proven record in air-to-air combat and air-to-ground attack, the Fighting Falcon is well-equipped to engage with threats to regional security and deter further aggression in the AOR. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jackson Manske)

Air

F-16s With Larger Laser-Guided Rocket Loads, Drone Kill Marking Emerge Over Middle East F-16s With Larger Laser-Guided Rocket Loads, Drone Kill Marking Emerge Over Middle East

Posted on Feb 19, 2025

Air

How The EA-18G Growler’s Next-Generation Jamming Pod Went To War On Its First Cruise How The EA-18G Growler’s Next-Generation Jamming Pod Went To War On Its First Cruise

Updated on Feb 11, 2025

Syrian forces prevented a large heavily armed Russian convoy from entering the port of Tartus.

Russian Military Convoy Blocked From Entering Port Of Tartus In Syria Russian Military Convoy Blocked From Entering Port Of Tartus In Syria

Posted on Feb 11, 2025

Members of Marine Aerial Refueler Squadron-234, (VMGR-234) provide aerial refueling to French Mirage 2000 Fighters from a K C-130J over Djibouti, May 24, 2021. VMGR-234 supports Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) with aerial refueling operations, extending the reach of fixed and rotary wing aircraft.

Air

French Fighters Downed “Nearly A Dozen Drones” In Red Sea Combat French Fighters Downed “Nearly A Dozen Drones” In Red Sea Combat

Posted on Feb 11, 2025

Beirut bunker buster CCTV on hezbollah bunker

Air

Unprecedented New View Of BLU-109 Bunker Buster Strike That Killed Hezbollah’s Leadership Unprecedented New View Of BLU-109 Bunker Buster Strike That Killed Hezbollah’s Leadership

By Tyler Rogoway, Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Feb 7, 2025

Iran has finally shown a drone taking off and landing on – in the latter case with the help of arresting gear – the deck of the country's unusual new 'drone carrier,' the Shahid Bagheri. Newly emerged imagery also shows various drones and crewed helicopters on the flight deck, which has a ski jump at the bow end, including the appearance of 'drones' styled after the infamous Qaher 313.

Sea

Iran’s Wacky Aircraft Carrier Has Entered Service Iran’s Wacky Aircraft Carrier Has Entered Service

Posted on Feb 6, 2025

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave U.S. President Donald Trump a golden pager commemorating last September's Israeli attack on Hezbollah using thousands of exploding pagers and walkie-talkies.

Trump Receives Golden Pager Gift From Netanyahu Trump Receives Golden Pager Gift From Netanyahu

Posted on Feb 6, 2025

An F-35C LIGHTNING II takes off from Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during training with Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), Jan. 22, 2022. Operating as part of U.S. Pacific Fleet, units assigned to Carl Vinson and Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Groups, America and Essex Amphibious Ready Groups, alongside JMSDF, are conducting training to preserve and protect a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Intelligence Specialist 1st Class Jeremy Faller)

How Life Aboard A Navy Aircraft Carrier Changed When High-Speed Internet Arrived How Life Aboard A Navy Aircraft Carrier Changed When High-Speed Internet Arrived

Posted on Jan 31, 2025

Dozens Of Israeli Patriot Missiles Sent To Ukraine Dozens Of Israeli Patriot Missiles Sent To Ukraine

Posted on Jan 29, 2025

U.S. Air Force F-16 Vipers have been using 70mm laser-guided rockets to down Houthi drones during operations in and around the Red Sea in the past year.

Air

F-16s Have Been Using Laser-Guided Rockets To Shoot Down Houthi Drones F-16s Have Been Using Laser-Guided Rockets To Shoot Down Houthi Drones

By Joseph Trevithick, Howard Altman, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Jan 29, 2025

What Red Sea Battles Have Taught The Navy About A Future China Fight What Red Sea Battles Have Taught The Navy About A Future China Fight

Posted on Jan 28, 2025

Satellite imagery shows clear indications that Russia's increasingly anticipated withdrawal of forces from its Tartus naval base in Syria has finally started.

Russian Withdrawal From Prized Syrian Naval Base Now Underway Russian Withdrawal From Prized Syrian Naval Base Now Underway

Posted on Jan 27, 2025

The kit used by Air Force EOD techs was on displace in a recent photo staged during a controlled detonation.

Air

This Shot Of USAF Explosive Ordnance Disposal Techs In The Middle East Goes Hard This Shot Of USAF Explosive Ordnance Disposal Techs In The Middle East Goes Hard

Posted on Jan 22, 2025

Houthi Pledge To Curtail Ship Attacks Sparks New Security Assessment Houthi Pledge To Curtail Ship Attacks Sparks New Security Assessment

Updated on Jan 20, 2025

Sea

Littoral Combat Ship Can Now Rapidly Shoot Down Aerial Drones With Hellfire Missiles Littoral Combat Ship Can Now Rapidly Shoot Down Aerial Drones With Hellfire Missiles

Posted on Jan 17, 2025

PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 23, 2024) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) fires an SM-2 missile during a live-fire exercise. Spruance, assigned to the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, is currently underway in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations conducting advanced tactical training that increases warfighting capability and tactical proficiency across all domains. (U.S. Navy photo by Ensign John Rosenberg)

Navy Warships Have To Leave Red Sea Fight For Weeks To Reload Their Missiles Navy Warships Have To Leave Red Sea Fight For Weeks To Reload Their Missiles

Updated on Jan 17, 2025

Air

Navy MH-60 Seahawk Helicopter Has Shot Down Its First Drone Navy MH-60 Seahawk Helicopter Has Shot Down Its First Drone

By Hope Hodge Seck

Updated on Jan 16, 2025

Iran has developed a reputation for launching some unconventional naval vessels, some of them downright bizarre — at least when compared with their equivalents elsewhere in the world. Its latest offering, the Zagros, is very much in keeping with this trend: a surveillance ship based on a corvette hull, an unorthodox approach for a type of vessel that’s normally converted from a commercial hull.

Sea

Iran Unveils New Spy Ship Based On Corvette Hull Iran Unveils New Spy Ship Based On Corvette Hull

Posted on Jan 16, 2025

Members of Hamas's armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, arrive in a vehicle at a street in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on January 15, 2025, amid the ongoing war in the Palestinian territory between Israel and Hamas. Thousands of Gazans celebrated on January 15 as news spread that a ceasefire and hostage release deal had been reached between Israel and Hamas, aimed at ending more than 15 months of war in the Palestinian territory.

Gaza Ceasefire Agreed To, Final Israeli Approval Pending (Updated) Gaza Ceasefire Agreed To, Final Israeli Approval Pending (Updated)

By Thomas Newdick, Howard Altman

Updated on Jan 15, 2025

How many weapons US Navy ships launched in the Red Sea.

Navy Just Revealed Tally Of Surface-To-Air Missiles Fired In Ongoing Red Sea Fight Navy Just Revealed Tally Of Surface-To-Air Missiles Fired In Ongoing Red Sea Fight

Updated on Jan 14, 2025

231014-N-GF955-1031 EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Oct. 14, 2023) Sailors assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64), man their watch stations in the combat information center (CIC) during a general quarters drill, October 14, 2023. Carney is currently a part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group. The strike group is on a scheduled deployment conducting routine operations in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by the U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aaron Lau)

Red Sea Attacks Are Testing Combat Information Centers Aboard U.S. Navy Warships Like Never Before Red Sea Attacks Are Testing Combat Information Centers Aboard U.S. Navy Warships Like Never Before

Posted on Jan 6, 2025

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has reportedly acquired a version of the 6.8x51mm M250 light machine gun that Sig Sauer developed for the U.S. Army, but chambered to fire the NATO-standard 7.62x51mm round.

Land

Israel Buys 7.62x51mm Version Of U.S. Army’s New Sig Sauer M250 Light Machine Gun: Report Israel Buys 7.62x51mm Version Of U.S. Army’s New Sig Sauer M250 Light Machine Gun: Report

Posted on Jan 3, 2025

IDF raid on Iran underground missile base in Syria

Air

Inside Israel’s Commando Raid On Iran’s Underground Missile Factory In Syria Inside Israel’s Commando Raid On Iran’s Underground Missile Factory In Syria

Posted on Jan 3, 2025

The U.S. is reportedly building a new base in Kobani, northern Syria.

U.S. Reportedly Setting Up New Base In Northern Syria U.S. Reportedly Setting Up New Base In Northern Syria

Posted on Jan 2, 2025

Air

Signs Russian Fighter Jets Still At Syrian Base, Top Rebel Leader Pushes Back On Total Exit For Moscow Signs Russian Fighter Jets Still At Syrian Base, Top Rebel Leader Pushes Back On Total Exit For Moscow

Posted on Dec 30, 2024

Land

U.S. Army’s First Combat Use Of THAAD Missile Defense System Just Occurred In Israel (Updated) U.S. Army’s First Combat Use Of THAAD Missile Defense System Just Occurred In Israel (Updated)

By Howard Altman, Geoff Ziezulewicz

Posted on Dec 27, 2024

A Russian cargo ship claimed to be heading to Syria, to take part in the Kremlin’s military withdrawal from that country, has sunk in the Mediterranean. The Ursa Major went down overnight between Spain and Algeria, with 14 crew members rescued and another two still unaccounted for. The incident comes amid uncertainty over the fate of the Russian naval base at Tartous on the Syrian coast, which provides Moscow with a vital foothold on the Mediterranean.

What We Know About The Russian Cargo Ship That Sank In Mediterranean What We Know About The Russian Cargo Ship That Sank In Mediterranean

Posted on Dec 24, 2024

Air

F/A-18F Was Shot Down By Friendly Fire As Jets Were About To Land On The Carrier F/A-18F Was Shot Down By Friendly Fire As Jets Were About To Land On The Carrier

By Joseph Trevithick, Howard Altman, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Dec 24, 2024

Ex-Mossad Agents Reveal Details Of How They Turned Hezbollah’s Communications Devices Into Bombs Ex-Mossad Agents Reveal Details Of How They Turned Hezbollah’s Communications Devices Into Bombs

Posted on Dec 24, 2024

A U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet was conducting a refueling mission over the Red Sea when it was downed in a friendly fire incident this past weekend.

Sea

F/A-18F Shot Down By Friendly Cruiser Was In The Middle Of A Refueling Mission F/A-18F Shot Down By Friendly Cruiser Was In The Middle Of A Refueling Mission

By Joseph Trevithick, Geoff Ziezulewicz, Howard Altman

Posted on Dec 23, 2024

In the face of post-Cold War drawdowns, the U.S. Air Force pushed ahead with buying the famously expensive F-22 Raptor stealth fighter in part because of a perhaps unexpected reason: concerns about Syrian air defenses.

Air

Syria’s Air Defenses Helped Make The F-22A Raptor A Reality Syria’s Air Defenses Helped Make The F-22A Raptor A Reality

Posted on Dec 20, 2024

As the world’s only operator of the legendary F-14 Tomcat swing-wing fighter, the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) has a unique airpower status. A recent airshow provided the chance for a very rare close-quarters look at the Cold War-era jet, which by now has very questionable capabilities and serviceability, while there are persistent reports that it could soon be replaced entirely by Russian-provided Su-35 Flanker multirole fighters.

Air

Iranian F-14 Tomcat Encounter At An Airshow Unlike Any Other Iranian F-14 Tomcat Encounter At An Airshow Unlike Any Other

By Thomas Newdick, Živojin Banković

Posted on Dec 19, 2024

Russian President Vladimir Putin insisted today that his country is still exploring its options for retaining a pair of bases in Syria that have uniquely strategic value following the fall of longtime ally Bashar Al Assad.

Putin Claims No Final Decision Yet On Russia’s Bases In Syria Despite Withdrawals Putin Claims No Final Decision Yet On Russia’s Bases In Syria Despite Withdrawals

Posted on Dec 19, 2024

Israeli has launched airstrikes on multiple targets in Yemen, including the capital of Sana’a, in response to an overnight missile launch from Yemen toward Israel. The Israeli raids come after an uptick in attacks against Israel by the Yemen-based Houthi militant group, including two in the past week.

Air

Israeli Air Force Strikes Yemen With Popeye And Rampage Standoff Missiles Israeli Air Force Strikes Yemen With Popeye And Rampage Standoff Missiles

Posted on Dec 19, 2024

New satellite imagery shows the continued withdrawal of Russian forces from its Khmeimim Air Base in Syria. Russia is also massing units at its Tartus naval base in the country, which also points to plans for their impending departure.

Satellite Imagery Shows Ramp-Up In Russian Forces Massing At Bases In Syria For Withdrawal Satellite Imagery Shows Ramp-Up In Russian Forces Massing At Bases In Syria For Withdrawal

Posted on Dec 17, 2024

A new targeted strike involving the use of the secretive AGM-114R9X Hellfire missile, which features an array of pop-out sword-like blades rather than a traditional high-explosive warhead, looks to have occurred in northwestern Syria.

Air

Secretive Bladed AGM-114R9X Hellfire Missile Looks To Have Reemerged In New Syria Strike Secretive Bladed AGM-114R9X Hellfire Missile Looks To Have Reemerged In New Syria Strike

Posted on Dec 17, 2024

There is growing, but still circumstantial evidence that a Syrian Airlines Il-76 Candid cargo plane currently at Russia's Khmeimim Air Base in Syria is one that appeared to go missing in the final chaotic moments of Bashar Al Assad's regime.

Air

The Mystery Of The Syrian IL-76 Cargo Jet That Went Missing As Assad Fled The Mystery Of The Syrian IL-76 Cargo Jet That Went Missing As Assad Fled

Posted on Dec 17, 2024

The Russian Khmeimim Air Base in Jabla in Latakia, Syria on December 15, 2024. With the Baath regime's collapse, Russia continued to transfer its troops from Damascus, Homs and other cities across Syria to the base.

Future Of Russia’s Bases In Syria Remains In Flux, Libya Possible Alternative Future Of Russia’s Bases In Syria Remains In Flux, Libya Possible Alternative

Posted on Dec 16, 2024

Air

Russian Forces Appear To Be Pulling Out Of Prized Syrian Air Base Russian Forces Appear To Be Pulling Out Of Prized Syrian Air Base

Posted on Dec 13, 2024

Hysteria about drones over New Jersey obscures the fact that there is a real national security concern.

Coast Guard Ship Stalked By Unidentified Aircraft, Iran Drone Mothership Claim Shot Down By DoD Coast Guard Ship Stalked By Unidentified Aircraft, Iran Drone Mothership Claim Shot Down By DoD

Posted on Dec 12, 2024

Mohamed Bashir, who heads HTS's so-called "Salvation Government", holds a press conference in the rebel-held northwestern Syrian city of Idlib on November 28, 2024. The Syrian rebels now in power in Damascus have appointed Mohammed al-Bashir as head of a transitional government that will be in place until March 1, state media said on December 10, 2024. (Photo by Omar HAJ KADOUR / AFP) (Photo by OMAR HAJ KADOUR/AFP via Getty Images)

New Syrian Prime Minister Assumes Power Amid Airstrikes, Continued Fighting New Syrian Prime Minister Assumes Power Amid Airstrikes, Continued Fighting

Posted on Dec 11, 2024

Pictures and videos have now emerged of the aftermath of Israeli strikes on the Syrian port of Latakia overnight, which destroyed at least six Soviet-era Osa II class missile boats.

Israel Lays Waste To Syria’s Missile Boats (Updated) Israel Lays Waste To Syria’s Missile Boats (Updated)

Posted on Dec 10, 2024

Israel strikes targets in Syria after Assad falls.

Syria’s Suddenly Permissive Airspace Prompts Flurry Of Foreign Airstrikes (Updated) Syria’s Suddenly Permissive Airspace Prompts Flurry Of Foreign Airstrikes (Updated)

By Howard Altman, Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Dec 10, 2024

What will happen to highly strategic Russian air and naval bases in Syria is now very much now an open question following the downfall of long-time strongman Bashar Al Assad and his flight to Moscow.

Fate Of Russia’s Prized Syria Bases: What We Know Fate Of Russia’s Prized Syria Bases: What We Know

Posted on Dec 10, 2024

A huge underground bunker complex, said to be beneath the mansion of Maj. Gen. Maher al-Assad, the disposed dictator’s brother. Maher al-Assad was best known as the leader of the Syrian Army’s elite Fourth Armored Division.

Descend Into The Depths Of The Assad Regime’s Massive Bunker Descend Into The Depths Of The Assad Regime’s Massive Bunker

Posted on Dec 9, 2024

A portrait of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is pictured with its frame broken, in a Syrian regime's Political Security Branch facility on the outskirts of the central city of Hama, following the capture of the area by anti-government forces, on December 7, 2024. Syria's embattled government said on December 7 it was setting up a ring of steel around Damascus, state media reported, as rebels on a lightning advance said they were bearing down on the city. The leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist group which has headed the assault, told fighters to prepare to take Damascus, just over a week into a renewed offensive in the long dormant conflict. (Photo by OMAR HAJ KADOUR / AFP) (Photo by OMAR HAJ KADOUR/AFP via Getty Images)

The Assad Regime Has Fallen, Claims Swirl Around Possible Crash Of His Escape Jet (Updated) The Assad Regime Has Fallen, Claims Swirl Around Possible Crash Of His Escape Jet (Updated)

By Howard Altman, Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Dec 8, 2024

Homs, Syria.s third-largest city, is close to being captured by rebels opposed to Bashar Al-Assad.

Syrian Rebels Closing In On Homs, Cutting Off Damascus From Coast An Imminent Possibility (Updated) Syrian Rebels Closing In On Homs, Cutting Off Damascus From Coast An Imminent Possibility (Updated)

Posted on Dec 6, 2024

Sea

USS Carney’s Red Sea Operations Highlight 5-inch Deck Gun’s Anti-Air Capability USS Carney’s Red Sea Operations Highlight 5-inch Deck Gun’s Anti-Air Capability

Posted on Dec 6, 2024

An anti-government fighter remotely fires rockets against regime forces, in the northern outskirts of Syria's west-central city of Hama on December 4, 2024. Syrian government forces pressed a counterattack against Islamist-led rebels around the key city of Hama on December 4 after suffering a string of staggering losses further north, a war monitor said.

Anti-Assad Forces’ Capture Of Strategic Hama A Critical Stop On Road To Damascus Anti-Assad Forces’ Capture Of Strategic Hama A Critical Stop On Road To Damascus

Updated on Dec 5, 2024

A recent drill by the Russian Armed Forces in the Mediterranean has provided us with a more detailed view of the shadowy Zircon hypersonic missile, a weapon that has only been glimpsed in the past and shown up in the form of fragments after being combat tested in Ukraine. The maneuvers come as Russia’s position in Syria — home to its two major Mediterranean bases — increasingly looks to be under threat, as rebels continue their rapid advance south, threatening the rule of Bashar al-Assad, a key Kremlin ally.

Sea

Our Best Look At Russia’s Shadowy Zircon Hypersonic Missile Our Best Look At Russia’s Shadowy Zircon Hypersonic Missile

Posted on Dec 4, 2024

An advanced Russian air defense radar system is among the equipment captured by anti-regime forces in Syria as they continue their rapid push south, with the potential for serious repercussions in the wider region. The Podlet-K1 radar system, also known by the designation 48Ya6-K1, is one of the more modern pieces of equipment in its class and would be a significant intelligence windfall if it finds its way into Western hands.

Land

Russia’s Advanced Podlet-1K Radar Captured By Anti-Assad Forces In Syria Russia’s Advanced Podlet-1K Radar Captured By Anti-Assad Forces In Syria

Posted on Dec 4, 2024

Air

Russia’s Prized Bases Along The Mediterranean In Syria Could Be At Risk Russia’s Prized Bases Along The Mediterranean In Syria Could Be At Risk

By Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Dec 3, 2024

A U.S. official said U.S. forces backed an SDF raid on ISIS troops in eastern Syria.

Claims Swirl Around U.S. Strikes In Eastern Syria (Updated) Claims Swirl Around U.S. Strikes In Eastern Syria (Updated)

Posted on Dec 3, 2024

Sea

Qatar’s Strange New Warship Combines Air Defense Frigate And Amphibious Assault Ship Roles Qatar’s Strange New Warship Combines Air Defense Frigate And Amphibious Assault Ship Roles

Posted on Dec 3, 2024

Russian and Syrian airstrikes are slowing the advance by anti-government rebels.

Airstrikes Slow Advance Of Anti-Assad Forces In Syria Airstrikes Slow Advance Of Anti-Assad Forces In Syria

Posted on Dec 2, 2024

Aleppo Has Fallen, Assad’s Forces Regrouping As Rebels Blitz South Aleppo Has Fallen, Assad’s Forces Regrouping As Rebels Blitz South

Posted on Dec 1, 2024

Fighters fire towards Syrian Army troops in the Rashidin district on the outskirts of Aleppo on November 29, 2024, as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) jihadists and allied factions continue their offensive in the Aleppo province against government forces. The jihadists along with Turkey-backed factions launched this week a shock offensive against Syrian regime troops and sparked the deadliest battle the country has seen in years, with the violence killing so far 242 people, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The war monitor said most of the victims were combatants on both sides but also including civilians.

Rebel Forces Enter Syria’s Second Largest City Of Aleppo Rebel Forces Enter Syria’s Second Largest City Of Aleppo

Posted on Nov 29, 2024

A Bayraktar TB3 uncrewed aircraft has successfully landed on and taken off from the Turkish Navy’s ‘drone carrier’ TCG Anadolu.

Air

TB3 Operates From Turkey’s ‘Drone Carrier’ Amphibious Assault Ship For The First Time TB3 Operates From Turkey’s ‘Drone Carrier’ Amphibious Assault Ship For The First Time