Wikiposts
Search

Notices
Military Aviation A forum for the professionals who fly military hardware. Also for the backroom boys and girls who support the flying and maintain the equipment, and without whom nothing would ever leave the ground. All armies, navies and air forces of the world equally welcome here.

Iran

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 20th March 2026 | 12:16
  #4121 (permalink)  
Thread Starter
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
Community Influencer
 
Joined: Jul 2000
Aviation Qualifications: Spotter
Posts: 24,509
Likes: 7,252
From: Peripatetic
A US Navy MQ-4C Triton UAV just completed a reconnaissance mission of the northern Persian Gulf and Kharg Island. The drone orbited off Iran's largest oil terminal at Kharg Island.

​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​
ORAC is offline  
Old 20th March 2026 | 13:57
  #4122 (permalink)  
Community Builder
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Aviation Qualifications: Military
Posts: 1,851
Likes: 645
From: florida
Salute!
Thanks Noaligb and Willow. And the introduction of the Warthog for a mission element it was originally designed for AND maybe relaxing the ROE here, I feel I can finnaly comment from personsl experience and that of mny of my peers from the 'nam and then the Storm experience, both A2A and A2G aspects.

Oooops, interupt from fammily...more later. 400 + misions CAS, CSAR, BAI, interdictiion, etc plus flying with some of the main players from the countries involved . should suffice for my ante. Table stakes

Gums sends...
gums is offline  
Old 20th March 2026 | 14:27
  #4123 (permalink)  
Thread Starter
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
Community Influencer
 
Joined: Jul 2000
Aviation Qualifications: Spotter
Posts: 24,509
Likes: 7,252
From: Peripatetic
So easy the USN is incapable of doing it with the assets it has available and great risk from shore based missiles. NATO has no remit outside the Atlantic and Mediterranean.

It is being pointed out elsewhere this is Trump preparing the ground to declare victory and pull out his forces and wash his hands of the aftermath, saying chaos in the Gulf and closure of the Strait isn’t his problem.

I’m not sure Iran will be willing to stop fighting as quickly, and US bases throughout the Middle East and elsewhere will continue to suffer attacks - as will the other Gulf nations if they don’t obey the Iran demand they evict all US forces and bases as a condition of ceasing to be attacked.



ORAC is offline  
Old 20th March 2026 | 15:12
  #4124 (permalink)  
 
Joined: Jun 2025
Aviation Qualifications: Spotter
Posts: 34
Likes: 31
From: Uk
Originally Posted by PointMergeArrival
I strongly disagree. I find fdrs posts to be among the most entertaining, and at the same time full of insight.

fdr, please keep it flowing
I don't consider the topic of this thread to be a source of entertainment, and particularly find some of the dark humour distasteful.
Maybe the author has become hardened through first hand experience, and comments accordingly.
The continuing destruction in Iran is another instance of one idealogy in conflict with another, which invariably leads to the slaughter we are witnessing now.
I find it sickening the biggest concern for some seems to be the increased cost of fuel, whilst thousands are dying and millions being displaced.
I have no idea who's fault this situation is, being nowhere near learned enough in the subject, but I do know it is an enduring consequence of the human condition, entertainment, it is not.
Abbas Ibn Firnas is offline  
Old 20th March 2026 | 15:19
  #4125 (permalink)  
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Aviation Qualifications: Military
Posts: 665
Likes: 145
From: UK/Philippines/Italy
The nature of warfare is one of escalation. We have seen this happening in this war and there is no reason to believe it will stop with all three main players in such entrenched positions.

Possible - but by no means exclusive - further signs of escalation:

1. The GCC move to a more offensive posture. Recent messaging indicates a preparedness to take this action.

2. Iranian terrorist attacks outside the area of operations.

3. Further attacks on oil/ gas production facilities. Already threatened.

4. Further attacks on desalination infrastructure.

5. Houthi. Houthi action in the Red Sea has been muted. As oil exports start increasing through there, Houthi attacks on shipping at the behest of their Iranian paymasters is a distinct possibility.

6. Lebanon. This front is given less attention but increasing Israeli activity moving north through central Beirut is possible. Already refugees fleeing to Syria! Another Gaza?

7. USMC action. For various reasons I'd rule out Kharg but islands in the SoH are a possibility.

8. Deployment of more grounds troops, airborne or USMC , in theatre.

9. Turkey. Media reports of 3 confirmed missile attacks on Turkey. Article 5?

Just my thoughts at the moment. Does anyone care to add?

Last edited by larssnowpharter; 20th March 2026 at 17:19.
larssnowpharter is offline  
Old 20th March 2026 | 15:26
  #4126 (permalink)  
25 Anniversary
 
Joined: Apr 2000
Aviation Qualifications: ATP+Mil
Posts: 10,959
Likes: 1,814
From: EGDC
9. Turkey. Media reports of 3 confirmed missile attacks on Turkey. Article 5?
Three missiles total since 28 Feb and only one missile recently reported by some and it never reached Turkish airspace - a very blatant effort by someone to try to invoke article 5 and nobody but the US and Israel would benefit from that.
crab@SAAvn.co.uk is offline  
Old 20th March 2026 | 15:27
  #4127 (permalink)  
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,569
Likes: 373
From: PLanet Earth
Originally Posted by ORAC

So easy, so little risk that he doesn't even dare to order USN to do it. Is he that stupid or that evil? Sending your allies into the kill box while tellling them: don't worry, no risk you cowards while staying away yourself. Convoy protection would probably be pretty much the most risky part of the whole current campaign.
It might still become necessary at some stage to look into ways how shipping can be enabled again and if asked nicely to support while sending also your own ships and acknowledging the risk it could at least be discussed. But this way? No way.
henra is offline  
Old 20th March 2026 | 15:29
  #4128 (permalink)  
Community Builder
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Aviation Qualifications: Military
Posts: 1,851
Likes: 645
From: florida
Salute!

Upfront, the current scenario in the Gulf, especially the Strait, is different than what I and maybe others here encountered in 'nam and even in the Storm. Lottsa difference between the target set and especially the terrain - uncluttered open water. GASP! ...No trees, no serious SAM sites, long way at 60 or 70 knots to shelter and now I have laser-guided 70mm rockets and over a thousand rounds of 30 mm. Gotta love it.

For sure, we should see MANPADS very soon, even now I postulate. But remember with the RX, but I can launch from several clicks away and maybe even have tgt designated by the Reaper on station 20,000 ft above ( note drone mission over Kharg earlier). Over the Trail the myriad of roads and "rest areas" in the trees allowed them to get away if I missed on first pass. The AAA was lots worse in the Storm, but the Warthog used Maverics at night for more kills than with the gun.

Before I quit first post, the Viper is also an excellent choice for the BAI mission. Same loadout weapons as the Hawg, just less, but excellent systems and lots speed to react from alert pads.
more
Maybe Mogs and other vets of old can comment. A2A guys can help, but we mudbeaters/CSAR types should have respect from all.

Gums sends...
gums is offline  
Old 20th March 2026 | 16:27
  #4129 (permalink)  
Community Builder
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL(H)
Posts: 2,371
Likes: 877
From: Canada
What is going on with Shipping.
Sal has some serious WTF are they doing questions.



albatross is offline  
Old 20th March 2026 | 17:27
  #4130 (permalink)  
Community Builder
Community Influencer
10 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jul 2013
Aviation Qualifications: Non-Aircrew
Posts: 5,672
Likes: 3,314
From: Everett, WA
Not a mod, but:
An awful lot of political posts here - a reminder that this is NOT where political posts belong - there is a thread on Jet Blast where you can argue politics, and bash the US, Trump, UK, etc. to your hearts content.
This thread is to discuss the military aspects, not the political aspects.
I've not sicked the mods on anyone - yet - but if the political posts continue that will change.
tdracer is offline  
Old 20th March 2026 | 17:38
  #4131 (permalink)  
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,787
Likes: 1,205
From: Baston
Originally Posted by tdracer
Not a mod, but:
An awful lot of political posts here - a reminder that this is NOT where political posts belong - there is a thread on Jet Blast where you can argue politics, and bash the US, Trump, UK, etc. to your hearts content.
This thread is to discuss the military aspects, not the political aspects.
I've not sicked the mods on anyone - yet - but if the political posts continue that will change.
MY POINT ENTIRELY.
langleybaston is offline  
Old 20th March 2026 | 17:52
  #4132 (permalink)  
Community Builder
5 Anniversary
 
Joined: Dec 2020
Aviation Qualifications: Non-Aircrew
Posts: 1,567
Likes: 1,379
From: Over the rainbow
WW2 pilots will contest that attacking V1's was not good for your health.
DogTailRed2 is offline  
Old 20th March 2026 | 18:44
  #4133 (permalink)  
Community Builder
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Aviation Qualifications: Military
Posts: 1,851
Likes: 645
From: florida
Salute!

Yep, but seems IDF choppers have figured out how to do it from alongside the drone. so debris and such goes to trail pronto. Secondly, no trajectory shift if stable at same speed as round moving fwd at same relative speed. "X' has a good video series of kills, but I didn't bkmark a link.

Gums...
gums is offline  
Old 20th March 2026 | 18:55
  #4134 (permalink)  
Administrator
Community Builder
40 Countries Visited
10 Anniversary
 
Joined: Apr 2015
Aviation Qualifications: Military
Posts: 2,968
Likes: 1,610
From: The Gulf Coast
Originally Posted by tdracer
Not a mod, but:
An awful lot of political posts here - a reminder that this is NOT where political posts belong - there is a thread on Jet Blast where you can argue politics, and bash the US, Trump, UK, etc. to your hearts content.
This thread is to discuss the military aspects, not the political aspects.
I've not sicked the mods on anyone - yet - but if the political posts continue that will change.
Some of that noise has been filtered out.
Usually, it is best to just report various posts and let the Mod Team clean them out.
T28B is offline  
Old 20th March 2026 | 19:48
  #4135 (permalink)  
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,787
Likes: 1,205
From: Baston
Originally Posted by DogTailRed2
WW2 pilots will contest that attacking V1's was not good for your health.
Helicopter vs Shahed Drone Ends in Disaster | Drone Nears Dubai
I understand that a better tactic than shooting from behind involved putting one's Tempest close enough to create disturbence of flow thus toppling the V1.
However the V1 had no reactive guidance: once toppled it toppled.
langleybaston is offline  
Old 20th March 2026 | 20:52
  #4136 (permalink)  
Community Builder
Community Influencer
30 Countries Visited
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Aviation Qualifications: AME
Posts: 4,166
Likes: 1,096
From: UK
Originally Posted by henra
So easy, so little risk that he doesn't even dare to order USN to do it. Is he that stupid or that evil? Sending your allies into the kill box while tellling them: don't worry, no risk you cowards while staying away yourself. Convoy protection would probably be pretty much the most risky part of the whole current campaign.
It might still become necessary at some stage to look into ways how shipping can be enabled again and if asked nicely to support while sending also your own ships and acknowledging the risk it could at least be discussed. But this way? No way.
I'm not military, never have been, but may I ask, how this is playing out within the US military?
Does the US military blindly follow and agree with their CiC ?
I assume many of them have worked along side NATO allies. Respectfully.
How would the US military react if any other NATO leader called them cowards?
TURIN is offline  
Old 20th March 2026 | 21:12
  #4137 (permalink)  
Community Builder
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Aviation Qualifications: Military
Posts: 1,851
Likes: 645
From: florida
Salute!

Well, Mr "T", the procedure for us was to go head to head and voice concern.
Then turn in your papers and only then call a press conference or....

Gums sends...

P.S. Flew with, taught by and taught other nationalities, religions and races. That including those in the Gulf region - Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Kuwait, UAE. Being in NATO, sameo, sameo for U.K, Denmark, Norway, Netherlands and on this side of the pond Canada. some of the Gulf folks made it a point to tell us they were Muslims but not Arabs. Hmmmm. Might see this soon over there.

gums is offline  
Old 20th March 2026 | 22:11
  #4138 (permalink)  
Community Builder
5 Anniversary
 
Joined: Dec 2020
Aviation Qualifications: Non-Aircrew
Posts: 1,567
Likes: 1,379
From: Over the rainbow
Cheers Donny, I'm sure the West will be delighted.
Iran war latest: Trump says US considering winding down war but other nations must guard Hormuz - BBC News
DogTailRed2 is offline  
Old 20th March 2026 | 23:14
  #4139 (permalink)  
Community Builder
Community Influencer
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Aviation Qualifications: Military
Posts: 9,328
Likes: 2,175
From: Texas
Today winds up week three and begins week four. Pete said when this started that it would end in four or five weeks. (But as gums and others have noted, the enemy gets a vote as regards when they think that is over). I would suggest that we operate under the assumption that it will last another week, maybe a bit more. (Not because I believe much of anything he says, but due to (1) the logistics involved and (2) local government sending a lot of private messages to DJT about their appetite for armed conflict.

removed personal insult that added nothing
T28B


I noted in the JB Iran thread that one of our Brit posters has talked with some active duty UK personnel, and they don't appreciate being disrespected.
Completely understand their feelings.
Got all kinds of barbs thrown at US forces when I was working in NATO, but not usually by the heads of state of our allies. Heads of state tended to operate at a certain level of decorum.
If they are upset with his comments, they have solid grounds to feel that way.

Last edited by T28B; 21st March 2026 at 12:55. Reason: Cleaned up nasty remark
Lonewolf_50 is offline  
Old 21st March 2026 | 00:06
  #4140 (permalink)  
Thread Starter
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
Community Influencer
 
Joined: Jul 2000
Aviation Qualifications: Spotter
Posts: 24,509
Likes: 7,252
From: Peripatetic
The Times: https://www.thetimes.com/uk/defence/...base-m8v7pxvfg

Iranian arrested after ‘attempting to enter nuclear naval base’

An Iranian man has been arrested after he tried to get into the naval base where Britain’s four nuclear submarines are based.

The individual, 34, accompanied by a female of unknown nationality, was in a vehicle when he approached the gate at HM Naval Base Clyde, known as Faslane, on Thursday. Without the right passes to enter, they were both turned away, it is understood. However, they were then arrested for “acting suspiciously in the vicinity”, a defence source said.

Police Scotland said: “Around 5pm on Thursday, 19 March, 2026, we were made aware of two people attempting to enter HM Naval Base Clyde. A 34-year-old man and 31-year-old woman have been arrested in connection and enquiries are ongoing.”

There were no further details on the suspicious behaviour, including whether they were trying to take photographs of the base. They did not manage to enter the facility. An investigation is under way and both Police Scotland and Ministry of Defence police are involved.

A Navy spokesman said: “Police Scotland have arrested two people who unsuccessfully attempted to enter HM Naval Base Clyde on Thursday 19 March. As the matter is subject to an ongoing investigation, we will not comment further.”

Faslane hosts four Trident-armed ballistic missile submarines tasked with maintaining the UK’s continuous at-sea deterrent. It is also home to the Royal Navy’s seven Astute-class nuclear-powered attack submarines, which can fire Tomahawk land attack cruise missiles at ground targets hundreds of miles inland with pinpoint accuracy.

There has been some suggestion that one of the submarines, HMS Anson, could be brought back from Australia to the Gulf to help defend British troops against Iranian attacks in the region…..
ORAC is offline  


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.