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Originally Posted by ORAC
(Post 12050724)
‘UK bases will only be used for defensive missions”……
RAF Fairford Video I hope they are airdropping from Amazon ear plugs, they may not be MOAB level, but they are loud, those defensive things on the racks of the Bones. Popcorn, anyone? |
Just saw a report on the cluster munitions that Iran is allegedly dropping on Israel, with 50%+ of their missiles bursting mid-air to release explosive winged bomblets of around 8 kg each over a 10-kilometer area.
Half of Iranian missiles have been cluster munitions | The Jerusalem Post |
Military briefing: the closest US-Israel war yet
Not since the Suez Crisis has the IDF fought alongside an ally in a major military offensive
Good article in the FT of the closeness of the IDF and US forces, and how they skinned (or tried to skin) the cat. Quite a long article, so put a bunch behind a Spoiler so it won't take up too much real estate. After the US and Israel launched a surprise attack against Iran, billboards sprang up across Tel Aviv with the Hebrew tagline: “Together we will win.” The phrase has been a ubiquitous motto for wartime unity since Hamas’s October 7 2023 attack on Israel triggered a wave of regional conflict. But the new billboards, adorned with both the Israeli and US flags, signalled something different: a rare joint military campaign that has little precedent. Israel since its independence in 1948 has almost exclusively fought alone. The sole exception was during the Suez Crisis, waged seven decades ago with Britain and France, two fading colonial powers forced into ignominious retreat. In the years after Suez, the axiom for Israel was: “We will defend ourselves, by ourselves.” The US alliance did become the bedrock of Israel’s security, providing tens of billions of dollars in weapons and arms, diplomatic cover and intelligence sharing. But an offensive war waged by both militaries as equals is, according to several current and former US and Israeli officials, without parallel. The speed and ferocity of the aerial campaign has required extraordinary levels of co-ordination — from the initial war plan that was put together to the thousands of phone conversations every day between the two militaries. “It’s a mind meld,” said Dan Shapiro, a former senior US defence official and ambassador to Israel. US defence secretary Pete Hegseth contrasted Israel as a “capable” partner with many traditional allies “who wring their hands and clutch their pearls”. Former US officials look back to the second world war for a comparable example of American forces fighting alongside another military in such a truly combined manner. Whether in the various Gulf wars, Afghanistan or the campaign to defeat the Islamic State, “the US usually convenes a broad coalition, designs the concept of operations, brings the vast majority of capabilities to bear . . . and then works to find a role for its partners,” said Dana Stroul, a former senior US defence official now at the Washington Institute think-tank. “This [war] is different — it’s two partners on equal footing, both bringing intelligence, certain exquisite capabilities, and dividing the targets amongst themselves,” she added.
Spoiler
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Hezbollah launched around 100 missiles at Israel last night.
Videohttps://nypost.com/2026/03/11/world-...the-iron-dome/ Hezbollah terrorists launch 100 rockets at Israel — overwhelming the Iron Dome REHOVOT, Israel — Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon on Wednesday launched 100 rockets at Israel — overwhelming Israel’s lauded Iron Dome system so much that only half were shot down, an Israel Defense Force source exclusively told The Post. In response, the IDF is preparing a ground invasion into Lebanon, the source said Wednesday. The attacks from Iran’s proxy militant group and counter assault from Israel mark a new front in the ongoing US-Israeli joint military mission that the US has dubbed Operation Epic Fury. “The IDF will not tolerate any harm to Israeli civilians and will forcibly respond against any threat posed to the State of Israel,” an Israel Defense Forces spokesperson said……. |
NYP: https://nypost.com/2026/03/11/us-new...th-drone-army/
Iran’s revenge terror attack plot on California with army of drones revealed in terrifying FBI memo The FBI issued an urgent warning to cops across California of a potential Iranian drone strike on the Golden State. Tehran was looking at deploying unmanned aircraft on the region as the country reels after the US wiped out its Supreme Leader last month, the alert said. The Bureau said in early February agents had intelligence that drones could be sent from an unidentified vessel off the American coastline. California has the highest concentration of Iranian dissidents in the US — up to 500,000 — but it is not clear if that was why the state could be targeted. The FBI alert said: “We recently acquired information that as of early February 2026, Iran allegedly aspired to conduct a surprise attack using unmanned aerial vehicles from an unidentified vessel off the coast of the United State Homeland, specifically against unspecified targets in California, in the event that the US conducted strikes against Iran.” It added: “We have no additional information on the timing, method, target, or perpetrators of this alleged attack.” The alert was sent to police departments across the region, but it does not make it clear where specifically could be targeted. The FBI declined to comment when approached by The Post. |
Video
Footage of American airstrikes destroying an Iranian C-130 Hercules, P-3 Orion, and Ilyushin Il-76. |
Yesterday…..
A major mystery over the past few days has been the exact location where regime officials are giving interviews to state TV. The Iranian account @Merida2NAJ accurately identified the site as the Mashhad branch of the regime's Foreign Ministry. The regime's top brass seems to have decamped to the distant city of Mashhad, as far away from the US bases and carriers—and from Israel—as you can get without actually fleeing to Afghanistan. They have abandoned the capital. Today…. Iranian opposition channel Mamlekate reported explosions last night in Mashhad. The city has seen very few air raids so far - and regime officials are speculated to be there. |
RAAF E-7 is bound for middle east
https://globe.adsbexchange.com/?icao=7cf8f3 with 2 tankers in trail https://globe.adsbexchange.com/?icao=7cf866https://globe.adsbexchange.com/?icao=7cf868 |
One to fill the other to full at some point and RTB, the other to accompany and refuel the E-7 to it’s destination?
Presumably also carrying ground crew and equipment to support the detachment. |
As for these people suggesting total destruction of Iranian infrastructure is that going to help persuade the Iranian population to rise up against the Mullahs ? Or will America just create a huge shambles of a country of 93 million that hates the USA and is a haven for all the middle east terror groups . Perhaps mass exodus of refugees into neighbouring countries and generations of young people who blame the US for what happened to their country and thats without a couple of decades trying to rebuild the petro chemical infrastructure. At least the somewhat moderated approach does allow some possibility of Government change in the country. In addition it has thus far prevented Iranian all out strikes on the Gulf States and Saudi which would add more chaos the region , such as attacking desalination plants- almost all the giulf states have no natural fresh water and would rapidly become uninhabitable .
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Originally Posted by ORAC
(Post 12050909)
Yesterday…..
Today…. |
Originally Posted by ORAC
(Post 12050915)
One to fill the other to full at some point and RTB, the other to accompany and refuel the E-7 to it’s destination?
Presumably also carrying ground crew and equipment to support the detachment. |
Originally Posted by ORAC
(Post 12050724)
‘UK bases will only be used for defensive missions”……
RAF Fairford Video |
A US B-2 bomber likely struck the Taleghan-2 facility at Iran's Parchin nuclear complex using 30,000-lb GBU-57 bunker-buster bombs, satellite imagery analyzed by Vantor suggests. Parchin lies 20 miles southeast of Tehran. |
I can b believe that, few are real religious fanatics, just family men trying to get by.
Iran International: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran_International https://www.iranintl.com/en/202603127596 Desertions, shortages and army-IRGC rift strain Iran’s military Iran’s armed forces are facing acute supply shortages, rising desertions and deepening friction between the regular army (Artesh) and the Revolutionary Guards, according to informed sources who described a military system under growing strain as the war intensifies. Among the most serious allegations are reports that wounded army personnel have been denied assistance by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), that some frontline units are operating with minimal ammunition, food and drinking water, and that attempts to mobilize reserve forces have faltered. Tensions between army and Revolutionary Guards One of the sharpest points of friction appears to involve medical support for wounded soldiers. Sources said that regular army units are suffering significant casualties but that IRGC personnel have refused to transport injured army soldiers to hospitals despite having access to medical facilities. According to the sources, Revolutionary Guards officials rejected repeated army requests for assistance, citing shortages of ambulances and blood supplies. The refusals have deepened anger and resentment between personnel from the two forces, adding to long-standing institutional tensions between the regular army (Artesh) and the IRGC. Frontline shortages The reported tensions come alongside severe shortages affecting some frontline and field units of the Iranian army. Sources described worsening logistical conditions that have left troops struggling with limited ammunition and inadequate basic supplies. In one example cited by the sources, some units were issued only 20 bullets for every two Artesh soldiers, leaving troops with little capacity to respond to potential attacks. Field units in several areas are also said to be operating without reliable access to drinking water or sufficient food supplies. The harsh conditions and what some soldiers perceive as neglect by commanders have contributed to what sources described as group desertions, with soldiers leaving bases and seeking refuge in nearby towns. Strain extends to IRGC units The strain is not limited to the regular army, according to the sources. Even within IRGC missile units – traditionally among the best resourced parts of Iran’s military – there have been reports of communications equipment failures and shortages of food and other basic supplies. Despite these problems, the sources said the command structure appears to be prioritizing the delivery of technical components needed to keep missile systems operational, rather than sending additional food rations or individual equipment to personnel. The accounts suggest commanders are focusing on maintaining strategic weapons capabilities while troops face deteriorating living conditions. Reserve mobilization falters Efforts to widen the manpower pool appear to have run into resistance as well. Sources said attempts by the Revolutionary Guards to mobilize reserve forces earlier this week produced limited results. Many of those summoned for service reportedly did not report to military centers. Instead, some individuals used the situation to leave their areas and assist family members in moving toward border regions in hopes of leaving the country. |
Iranian hardliner MP Hamid Resaei posts that, after Bahrain led a proposal condemning Iran for attacks on Arab countries, the war should end with Iran “retaking Bahrain and annexing it.”
Bahrain's proposal against Iran (condemning Iran for alleged attacks against regional Arab countries) was approved in the Security Council session with 13 votes. One of the results of this war, God willing, must be the retaking of Bahrain and its annexation to Iran. Iranian MP calls for Bahrain's annexation amid escalating conflict |
I wonder whether the IRGC’s lack of support for the Army is aimed at ensuring the Army lacks the capability to stage a coup.
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They have only received the first 2 systems of their order, primarily as a training system for the local forces pending the arrival of the remaining 8. It's been in use since the war began.
Should do wonders for their sales depending on how fast they can deliver. A UAE Air Force C-17A Globemaster III airlifted Cheongung-II surface-to-air missile interceptors from Daegu Air Base in South Korea to Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates on March 9, 2026. South Korea and the UAE have an ongoing contract for the Cheongung-II missile defense system, and the recent Iran war has accelerated the delivery process. The system reportedly shot down numerous Iranian ballistic missiles during the initial attacks. The UAE currently operates two batteries and is awaiting delivery of eight additional batteries along with hundreds of interceptors. The Cheongung-II, also known as KM-SAM Block II, is a modern medium-range air and missile defense system designed to intercept aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. It uses a phased-array radar, integrated command-and-control system, and high-performance interceptors capable of engaging high-speed aerial threats. The system forms part of the UAE’s layered air defense architecture intended to protect critical infrastructure and major urban areas. The accelerated delivery of Cheongung-II systems and interceptors reflects the growing threat posed by the IRGC Aerospace Force. In recent months, the IRGC has carried out mass launches of one-way attack drones—particularly the Shahed-136—toward targets across the UAE. These drones have targeted oil facilities, ports, and even skyscrapers and civilian buildings in cities such as Dubai, causing casualties and significant damage. By rapidly deploying additional Cheongung-II batteries and interceptors, the UAE aims to strengthen its air defense network and improve its ability to intercept ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and one-way attack drones before they can reach critical infrastructure or populated areas. https://thedefensepost.com/2026/03/1...ung-ii-combat/ South Korean Cheongung-II Air Defense System Makes Combat Debut in UAE |
Reference the E-7 from Australia - add a C-17 to the list.
RAAF Royal Australian Air Force Boeing E-7A Wedgetail 1x 7CF8F3 A30-004 - AUSSIE 051 Boeing C-17 Globemaster III 1x 7CF869 A41-206 - AUSSIE 498 Airbus KC-30 MRTT 2x CF868 A39-005 - AUSSIE 496 7CF866 A39-003 - AUSSIE 497 An RAAF E-7A Wedgetail, supported by two KC-30s and a C-17 have departed RAAF Base Pearce and are en-route to the Middle East via Diego Garcia. |
Another 2 senior commanders gone - these two aviation related.
Iranian opposition sources say Dariush Soleimani, commander of Iran’s air base in Tabriz, was eliminated last night after an Israeli airstrike hit his home in the Zaferania district of the city. Esmail Dehghan, a commander in the aerospace force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, was killed in joint US-Israeli strikes early on Tuesday, according to state media. He was killed in a strike on a residential house in the city of Arak, the reports said. His funeral was held in Arak on Wednesday. Guards aerospace commander killed in US-Israeli strikes |
Originally Posted by jolihokistix
(Post 12050787)
Just saw a report on the cluster munitions that Iran is allegedly dropping on Israel, with 50%+ of their missiles bursting mid-air to release explosive winged bomblets of around 8 kg each over a 10-kilometer area.
Originally Posted by ORAC
(Post 12050902)
Originally Posted by Less Hair
(Post 12050941)
Iran does not hate the US. The Mullahs might.
It is dishonest to artificially separate the nation from its leadership. You will also find a bountiful percentage of the IRGC who are quite anti American, and others. Iran, collectively, is guided and led by the Mullah's, has been for nearly half of a century, and their continued position as regards the Great Satan and Death to America has not changed. A characterization of Iran Hates America is accurate. (It is one of the great tragedy's of the 20th and 21st centurie that a path towards better relations has not been found. There have been many opportunities). If, on the other hand, you suggest or assert that "many Iranians do not hate the US" you'd probably be right. (I'd at least guess that you are right). |
Oops….
Video The Iranian regime is firing missiles at Jerusalem, Israel's capital. One of them struck a few hundred meters from the Old City, the Western Wall, Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Protecting lives & worshippers' safety comes first. That is why prayer at all holy sites has been temporarily suspended. |
The US DOD (DOW?) interprets the rule rather more broadly.... The US DOD Law of War Manual allows attacks on object that: sustain the enemy's ability to fight economically; generate revenue that funds the war effort; being war-sustaining targets. US doctrine cites: Oil production and export facilities; commodity production funding military operations; financial assets used to pay armed forces. Under the US DOD logic, oil infrastructure funding a state's military budget can be lawful targets. |
Which presumably doesn't include girls schools - a war crime then? The blame for the hit has been acknowledged by the US military - shame their leader can't be as honest. Blame hasn’t yet been acknowledged, just a preliminary report which says the evidence points to it have been a deliberately aimed Tomahawk rather than faulty navigation or damage to the missile. Evidence suggests that old intelligence showed the building as being part of the targeted military compound, the target list not having been updated since it became a school. https://www.nbcnews.com/world/iran/o...ool-rcna262967 Presumably a formal apology will follow the final report. What action will follow the final report remains to be seen. I would assume it would judged to be one of the things that occur in the fog of war unless someone was remiss in assessing intelligence and updating the target database. |
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What wonderful news. If Israel can keep killing the IRGC and Basij in this way at their checkpoints and while on patrol it would make it far easier for the people to rise up.
On Wednesday, around 100 Basij soldiers were killed across Tehran by dozens to hundreds of suicide drones in a covert operation some are comparing to Israel’s previous pager operation against Hezbollah in Lebanon. The drones hit Basij bases, motorcycles, and vehicles, targeting IRGC, Basij, and special forces checkpoints. Suicide drones hit Tehran as instability mounts inside Iran |
Originally Posted by ORAC
(Post 12050906)
Video
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In response to a warning from the FBI that they had received a credible threat to California from Iranian drones launched from vessels off of the west coast of the US, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said “To be clear, no such threat exists and it never did”. Could there be any better reason for taking cover 🥴
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Originally Posted by Canary Boy
(Post 12051142)
In response to a warning from the FBI that they had received a credible threat to California from Iranian drones launched from vessels off of the west coast of the US, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said “To be clear, no such threat exists and it never did”. Could there be any better reason for taking cover 🥴
They've also claimed they're going to assassinate Trump (they'll need to get in line - people have been trying to assassinate Trump for years....). |
So, Scott Bessent has said the WH is discussing using the USN and “an international coalition” to escort tankers through the Gulf.
Well Macron has e pressed an interest in such an arrangement - all I can say is thank god President Trump has dismissed the requirement for a UK aircraft carrier saying they are “not needed”….. |
Originally Posted by ORAC
(Post 12051054)
Only if it was deliberate, but it wasn’t.
Blame hasn’t yet been acknowledged, just a preliminary report which says the evidence points to it have been a deliberately aimed Tomahawk rather than faulty navigation or damage to the missile. Evidence suggests that old intelligence showed the building as being part of the targeted military compound, the target list not having been updated since it became a school. https://www.nbcnews.com/world/iran/o...ool-rcna262967 Presumably a formal apology will follow the final report. What action will follow the final report remains to be seen. I would assume it would judged to be one of the things that occur in the fog of war unless someone was remiss in assessing intelligence and updating the target database. |
Originally Posted by ORAC
(Post 12051183)
So, Scott Bessent has said the WH is discussing using the USN and “an international coalition” to escort tankers through the Gulf.
Well Macron has e pressed an interest in such an arrangement - all I can say is thank god President Trump has dismissed the requirement for a UK aircraft carrier saying they are “not needed”….. https://youtu.be/k26Uw6f5mTE?si=76xI9SQrTqXIshUL |
Originally Posted by langleybaston
(Post 12051189)
The problem is that Great Britain does need the USA. To be virtually friendless in a dangerous world is not desirable. It takes years to make friends, moments to lose them.
Since england wrote the suicide note to Europe, they appear to be cast adrift on a sea of misfortune ! |
My take, the complete carrier group ships are needed to protect the CVN from different threats. They can despatch flying material for convoy protection but have not enough excess ships available for a convoy protection. Even with several additional navy ships from other nations this will be a risky passage.
And who pays out the damage claims from the insurers? |
Originally Posted by langleybaston
(Post 12051189)
The problem is that Great Britain does need the USA. To be virtually friendless in a dangerous world is not desirable. It takes years to make friends, moments to lose them.
As for being an unreliable ally, well they certainly know something about that of late. |
Originally Posted by EDLB
(Post 12051191)
My take, the complete carrier group ships are needed to protect the CVN from different threats. They can despatch flying material for convoy protection but have not enough excess ships available for a convoy protection. Even with several additional navy ships from other nations this will be a risky passage.
And who pays out the damage claims from the insurers? I wouldn’t envy any sailor whose ordered into that shooting gallery. |
The problem is that Great Britain does need the USA. To be virtually friendless in a dangerous world is not desirable. It takes years to make friends, moments to lose them. Any way, I’m deeply hurt that you think that I am suggesting the UK would not send a carrier if asked. It shouldn’t be a problem once we have arranged with European partner states to provide a screen of AD and ASW frigates (our sole available already heading for Cyprus), together with logistic ships to provide fuel and solid stores - and of course the USN to provide a couple of SSN escorts, the Anson being somewhere in the southern hemisphere. I think we might even have a handful of F-35Bs and CR crews left over from our small operational fleet after having reinforced Cyprus….. |
Originally Posted by dead_pan
(Post 12051199)
Meh. They'll change their mind again in a week or two.
As for being an unreliable ally, well they certainly know something about that of late. |
[QUOTE=ORAC;12051207]I’m sorry, are talking about the USA or the UK? 🤔 Quote.
For the avoidance of doubt I believe that Great Britain does need the USA. |
Langley Bastion
It may have in the past, but time to find a new school friend as our old one seems to have found new friend's but has forgot the old adage re old friend's being like Gold etc. Cheers Mr Mac |
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