Iran
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From: Northampton, England
Media (Times Radio) carried an interview with an 'expert' - retired RN officer I think - who said they were visible on AIS. Just in and out.
He stated they were not minesweeping and could not fulfil that role as they were far too noisy. Mostly 'showing the flag' one thinks.
He stated they were not minesweeping and could not fulfil that role as they were far too noisy. Mostly 'showing the flag' one thinks.
Last edited by Airbanda; 12th April 2026 at 08:33.
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From: UK East Midlands
So US ships, or at least one ship has passed through the (singular) Strait. Whether that was "willy waving" or mine clearing we cannot verify.
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From: troposphere
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From: Near SOU
This is a screenshot taken a few moments ago from Marine Traffic
AIS delay which has been commonplace for all ships in the region, caused by either AIS land station damage or shut down or actions taken on the ship's bridge to turn the system off to evade detection (which is illegal to do but understandable in the case of the Strait of Hormuz where there is conflict).
The majority of the other ships on the move are recording their AIS signatures around 20 to 50 minutes delay, so maybe the proximity of the USN is having an effect on transits...also those ships are no longer using their nationality or the nationality of crew / owner as destination. They mostly indicating actual destinations for the time being.
AIS delay which has been commonplace for all ships in the region, caused by either AIS land station damage or shut down or actions taken on the ship's bridge to turn the system off to evade detection (which is illegal to do but understandable in the case of the Strait of Hormuz where there is conflict).
The majority of the other ships on the move are recording their AIS signatures around 20 to 50 minutes delay, so maybe the proximity of the USN is having an effect on transits...also those ships are no longer using their nationality or the nationality of crew / owner as destination. They mostly indicating actual destinations for the time being.
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From: Ferrara
"What are the chances of having ships going 'closer' to the Oman shoreline - out of range of any Iranian (north shore), based missile bases?"
That's not possible - the Iranians have a wide range of missiles and drones which can reach the other shore - and a lot further
Last edited by Chock Puller; 12th April 2026 at 12:16. Reason: Making a formal quote of posted text.
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From: UK/Philippines/Italy
The fact that one of the Arleigh Burke class vessels was in the Strait with its AIS on was clearly intentional. Political message?
The USN has a number of LCS ships reported to be in the Gulf and which have - again reportedly - worked up with A10s.
A possible - of likely - scenario is that the LCS vessels conducted a mine clearance or confirmation,/checking operation with the Arleigh Burke providing additional cover. No doubt air assets would also have been involved.
As to the results, well, who knows?
The USN has a number of LCS ships reported to be in the Gulf and which have - again reportedly - worked up with A10s.
A possible - of likely - scenario is that the LCS vessels conducted a mine clearance or confirmation,/checking operation with the Arleigh Burke providing additional cover. No doubt air assets would also have been involved.
As to the results, well, who knows?
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From: Brantisvogan
Since this thread has just ended up as JB fodder..
I doubt anyone had much hope of an agreement, there were just too many non-negotiables on each side.
The US administration couldn't negotiate a drink at an open bar, what they consider negotiation is bullying a much weaker party, from an absolute position of power, into an agreement they don't want.
The moment they lack the leverage, ala Putin etc, they get nowhere.
The Iranians are way more resilient than the administration gives them credit for, and have leverage of their own, not just the strait, but they are well aware the US do not want boots on the ground and that guarantees failure and makes the US look weak and desperate for a conclusion. The closer the midterms become the more leverage Iran will have.
The tone of the "truths" just reflect poorly on the US president, they have really come up short on the global social media war.
Maybe, both parties go back home and can find better compromise through backchannels, but until then it's status quo and no doubt the US will try deflect by blaming NATO and all their allies they have managed to alienate and offend from the very start.
The Chinese are unlikely to take kindly to a blockade and they do have leverage of their own.
The best thing the US could do is declare victory, again, and go home with their tail between their legs and try this again some other time when there is some competent leadership that is capable of proper planning, or diplomacy.
I doubt anyone had much hope of an agreement, there were just too many non-negotiables on each side.
The US administration couldn't negotiate a drink at an open bar, what they consider negotiation is bullying a much weaker party, from an absolute position of power, into an agreement they don't want.
The moment they lack the leverage, ala Putin etc, they get nowhere.
The Iranians are way more resilient than the administration gives them credit for, and have leverage of their own, not just the strait, but they are well aware the US do not want boots on the ground and that guarantees failure and makes the US look weak and desperate for a conclusion. The closer the midterms become the more leverage Iran will have.
The tone of the "truths" just reflect poorly on the US president, they have really come up short on the global social media war.
Maybe, both parties go back home and can find better compromise through backchannels, but until then it's status quo and no doubt the US will try deflect by blaming NATO and all their allies they have managed to alienate and offend from the very start.
The Chinese are unlikely to take kindly to a blockade and they do have leverage of their own.
The best thing the US could do is declare victory, again, and go home with their tail between their legs and try this again some other time when there is some competent leadership that is capable of proper planning, or diplomacy.
Thread Starter
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
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From: Peripatetic
Pakistan has deployed a huge military contingent comprising 13,000 soldiers and 12-18 fighter jets in Saudi Arabia.
Pakistan is likely to deploy at least 50,000 soldiers in Saudi Arabia, along with more fighter jets, sources say. This deployment in Saudi Arabia is a part of strategic defence agreement that both countries signed last year.
This deployment has come amid the escalating tensions in Middle East as the US-Iran talks fail in Islamabad.
Pakistan is likely to deploy at least 50,000 soldiers in Saudi Arabia, along with more fighter jets, sources say. This deployment in Saudi Arabia is a part of strategic defence agreement that both countries signed last year.
This deployment has come amid the escalating tensions in Middle East as the US-Iran talks fail in Islamabad.
Saudi Arabia’s MoD confirmed April 11: Pakistani military contingent of ~13,000 troops and 10-18 fighter jets arrived at King Abdulaziz Air Base, Eastern Province — under the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement signed September 2025.
Reuters confirmed deployment triggered by Iranian strikes on Saudi energy infrastructure. The 50,000 projection is unconfirmed by wire.
Reuters confirmed deployment triggered by Iranian strikes on Saudi energy infrastructure. The 50,000 projection is unconfirmed by wire.
Pakistan sends military force, fighter jets to Saudi Arabia
Pakistan has sent a military force and fighter jets to Saudi Arabia to boost security under a joint defence cooperation agreement between the two countries, the Saudi defence ministry said on Saturday.
The Saudi ministry, in a statement, wrote that a military force and fighter jets from Pakistan had arrived at the King Abdulaziz Air Base in its eastern province.
It added that the Pakistani deployment was aimed at “strengthening the joint defence cooperation agreement signed between the two brotherly countries”.
“The Pakistani force consists of fighter and support aircraft belonging to the Pakistani Air Force, with the aim of enhancing joint military coordination, raising the level of operational readiness between the armed forces of the two countries,” it continued.
The planes were sent after Iranian strikes hit key energy infrastructure and killed a Saudi national, three sources, including a senior Pakistani government official, told Reuters.They were “not there to attack anyone”, said the Pakistani official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
An Iranian strike on Saudi Arabia’s sprawling Jubail petrochemicals complex on Monday had raised concerns in Pakistan that the kingdom might retaliate, potentially jeopardising the Iran peace talks, the three sources said.
The Pakistani deployment was aimed at reassuring Riyadh that Islamabad would help defend the kingdom from any further attacks, the sources said.
The Saudi government media office and Pakistan’s military did not respond to requests for comment.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have long shared a multifaceted relationship rooted in strategic military cooperation, mutual economic interests, and shared Islamic heritage. These ties have encompassed economic assistance and energy supplies, with Riyadh being a significant source of financial aid and oil for Islamabad.
In September of last year, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed a “Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement” in Riyadh, pledging that any attack on either nation would be treated as an act of aggression against both.
Pakistan has sent a military force and fighter jets to Saudi Arabia to boost security under a joint defence cooperation agreement between the two countries, the Saudi defence ministry said on Saturday.
The Saudi ministry, in a statement, wrote that a military force and fighter jets from Pakistan had arrived at the King Abdulaziz Air Base in its eastern province.
It added that the Pakistani deployment was aimed at “strengthening the joint defence cooperation agreement signed between the two brotherly countries”.
“The Pakistani force consists of fighter and support aircraft belonging to the Pakistani Air Force, with the aim of enhancing joint military coordination, raising the level of operational readiness between the armed forces of the two countries,” it continued.
The planes were sent after Iranian strikes hit key energy infrastructure and killed a Saudi national, three sources, including a senior Pakistani government official, told Reuters.They were “not there to attack anyone”, said the Pakistani official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
An Iranian strike on Saudi Arabia’s sprawling Jubail petrochemicals complex on Monday had raised concerns in Pakistan that the kingdom might retaliate, potentially jeopardising the Iran peace talks, the three sources said.
The Pakistani deployment was aimed at reassuring Riyadh that Islamabad would help defend the kingdom from any further attacks, the sources said.
The Saudi government media office and Pakistan’s military did not respond to requests for comment.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have long shared a multifaceted relationship rooted in strategic military cooperation, mutual economic interests, and shared Islamic heritage. These ties have encompassed economic assistance and energy supplies, with Riyadh being a significant source of financial aid and oil for Islamabad.
In September of last year, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed a “Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement” in Riyadh, pledging that any attack on either nation would be treated as an act of aggression against both.
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From: UK
I wonder if the Pakistani deployment reflects Sunni outrage at being attacked by a predominantly Shia nation? Interesting if Indonesia gets involved.
Last edited by bugged on the right; 12th April 2026 at 11:20.
Thread Starter
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
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From: Peripatetic
USAF E-11A BACN fleet (7); last reported locations 2026-04-11Z
Prince Sultan Air Base (7!)
➢ N770AG (11-9355 #ae4de1) #AA690E (51d)
➢ 21-9045 #ae7466 (41d)
➢ 22-9046 #ae77a3 (39d)
➢ 22-9047 #ae77a4 (19d)
➢ 12-9506 #ae54b4 (15d)
➢ 23-9048 #ae77a5 (14d)
➢ N898M (24-9049 #af83f0) #AC641F (1d)
➢ We do not know how many E-11A BACN have been damaged or destroyed by Iran, but considering they sent their last one to KSA, I'd think at least one.
100% of the E-11 BACN fleet is deployed to KSA.
Prince Sultan Air Base (7!)
➢ N770AG (11-9355 #ae4de1) #AA690E (51d)
➢ 21-9045 #ae7466 (41d)
➢ 22-9046 #ae77a3 (39d)
➢ 22-9047 #ae77a4 (19d)
➢ 12-9506 #ae54b4 (15d)
➢ 23-9048 #ae77a5 (14d)
➢ N898M (24-9049 #af83f0) #AC641F (1d)
➢ We do not know how many E-11A BACN have been damaged or destroyed by Iran, but considering they sent their last one to KSA, I'd think at least one.
100% of the E-11 BACN fleet is deployed to KSA.
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From: Orkney
AIS delay which has been commonplace for all ships in the region, caused by either AIS land station damage or shut down or actions taken on the ship's bridge to turn the system off to evade detection (which is illegal to do but understandable in the case of the Strait of Hormuz where there is conflict).
https://assets.publishing.service.go...2eb79/1795.pdf
Operation of AIS
10. The changes to Chapter V of SOLAS introduce a new requirement to maintain AIS in
operation at all times, although the requirement is largely a reinforcement of the existing
requirements to automatically provide and receive AIS information. The requirement is bound by
the exception of “where international agreements, rules or standards provide for the protection
of navigational information.” These agreements, rules or standards refer to the IMO Guidelines
for the Onboard Operational Use of Shipborne Automatic Identification Systems (Resolution
A.917(22)). Paragraph 21 of these guidelines was modified by the 23 rd Assembly in December
2003 to introduce concepts for security incidents and mandatory reporting systems. The
complete text of paragraph 21 is now:
- 3 -
“AIS should always be in operation when ships are underway or at anchor. If the master
believes that the continual operation of AIS might compromise the safety or security of his / her
ship or where security incidents are imminent, the AIS may be switched off. Unless it would
further comprise the safety or security, if the ship is operating in a mandatory reporting system,
the master should report this action and the reason for doing so to the competent authority.
Actions of this nature should always be recorded in the ship’s logbook together with the reason
for doing so. The master should however restart the AIS as soon as the source of danger has
disappeared. If the AIS unit is shut-down, static data and voyage related information remains
stored. Restart is done by switching on the power to the AIS unit. Ship’s own data will be
transmitted after a two minute initialisation period. In ports AIS operation should be in
accordance with port requirements.”
10. The changes to Chapter V of SOLAS introduce a new requirement to maintain AIS in
operation at all times, although the requirement is largely a reinforcement of the existing
requirements to automatically provide and receive AIS information. The requirement is bound by
the exception of “where international agreements, rules or standards provide for the protection
of navigational information.” These agreements, rules or standards refer to the IMO Guidelines
for the Onboard Operational Use of Shipborne Automatic Identification Systems (Resolution
A.917(22)). Paragraph 21 of these guidelines was modified by the 23 rd Assembly in December
2003 to introduce concepts for security incidents and mandatory reporting systems. The
complete text of paragraph 21 is now:
- 3 -
“AIS should always be in operation when ships are underway or at anchor. If the master
believes that the continual operation of AIS might compromise the safety or security of his / her
ship or where security incidents are imminent, the AIS may be switched off. Unless it would
further comprise the safety or security, if the ship is operating in a mandatory reporting system,
the master should report this action and the reason for doing so to the competent authority.
Actions of this nature should always be recorded in the ship’s logbook together with the reason
for doing so. The master should however restart the AIS as soon as the source of danger has
disappeared. If the AIS unit is shut-down, static data and voyage related information remains
stored. Restart is done by switching on the power to the AIS unit. Ship’s own data will be
transmitted after a two minute initialisation period. In ports AIS operation should be in
accordance with port requirements.”
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From: UK
Trump has said the US Navy is going to start "blockading any and all ships" trying to enter or leave the Strait of Hormuz...he also says "instructed our Navy to seek and interdict every vessel in International Waters that has paid a toll to Iran",
That should help Mr Putin even more.....
That should help Mr Putin even more.....
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From: Brit living in Malaysia
I struggle to keep up. Wasn't it only a few days ago that he published the expletive laden tweet inviting Iran to 'open the xxxing strait you crazy bxxxards'? Not trying to drag the thread into political territory - just trying to understand the military events which must have caused such a great change of military strategy.
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From: West Country
Trump has said the US Navy is going to start "blockading any and all ships" trying to enter or leave the Strait of Hormuz...he also says "instructed our Navy to seek and interdict every vessel in International Waters that has paid a toll to Iran",
That should help Mr Putin even more.....
That should help Mr Putin even more.....
Joined: Feb 2006
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Likes: 295
From: The Alps
ORAC
In the last decade have seen 001 on my rounds here at Mildenhall, first time Labor Day September 2018 and its a regular one around European theater. Then had the pleasure of standing next to 001 and chatting to the crew at Dubai Air Show 2021 so my photos below from 2018 and 2021.
Also 2 years ago saw 9355 on approach to the 'Hall in August. so my photos below
It took over the role from the NASA WB-57F which cough devoid of NASA markings were operating in the very role temporarily in Afghanistan of airborne battlefield comms relay. I did see one Wb-57F devoid of markings arriving in November 2013 at the 'Hall so my photos below
cheers
In the last decade have seen 001 on my rounds here at Mildenhall, first time Labor Day September 2018 and its a regular one around European theater. Then had the pleasure of standing next to 001 and chatting to the crew at Dubai Air Show 2021 so my photos below from 2018 and 2021.
Also 2 years ago saw 9355 on approach to the 'Hall in August. so my photos below
It took over the role from the NASA WB-57F which cough devoid of NASA markings were operating in the very role temporarily in Afghanistan of airborne battlefield comms relay. I did see one Wb-57F devoid of markings arriving in November 2013 at the 'Hall so my photos below
cheers
Thread Starter
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
Joined: Jul 2000
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From: Peripatetic
Audio/Video
IRGC Navy published a radio communication they had with USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG-121) while passing the strait of Hormuz yesterday Apr 11, 2026.
Thread Starter
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
Joined: Jul 2000
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From: Peripatetic
A KC-135R of the Ohio Air National Guard, which was damaged as a result of a ballistic missile strike by the IRGC Aerospace Force at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, arrived at RAF Mildenhall today, en route to the United States for final repairs.
You can see multiple patches on its fuselage caused by shrapnel from the ballistic missiles that struck the tankers parked next to it.
That day, the U.S. Air Force lost a pair of KC-135Rs, one KC-46A, and one E-3G at Prince Sultan Air Base.
Additionally, two EC-130H Compass Call aircraft, another E-3G Sentry, and at least seven KC-135R/T tankers were damaged.
You can see multiple patches on its fuselage caused by shrapnel from the ballistic missiles that struck the tankers parked next to it.
That day, the U.S. Air Force lost a pair of KC-135Rs, one KC-46A, and one E-3G at Prince Sultan Air Base.
Additionally, two EC-130H Compass Call aircraft, another E-3G Sentry, and at least seven KC-135R/T tankers were damaged.
Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker 1x #AE0361 59-1444 - REACH 717 11:44 - REACH 717 inbound RAF Mildenhall from Chania
Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker 1x #AE0361 59-1444 - REACH 717 11:44 - REACH 717 inbound RAF Mildenhall from Chania
Note this is the KC-135 which declared a Mayday a couple of days ago whilst crossing the Med on the way to Mildenhall and diverted. Obviously needed a bit more patching up.
Thread Starter
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
Joined: Jul 2000
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From: Peripatetic
White Specks in some very odd places don't you think ORAC ?