US Navy deploys USS Tripoli to execute flight operations during Project Freedom against Iran

The U.S. Navy has positioned the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli forward of the Strait of Hormuz to conduct sustained flight operations in support of blockade enforcement against Iran, a move confirmed by U.S. Central Command on May 5, 2026, that directly shapes access to one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints. By shifting to an aviation-centric role with F-35B fighters and Marine forces, the deployment prioritizes localized sea control and rapid response under threat conditions rather than restoring full commercial traffic, signaling a constrained but active enforcement posture. Read full defense news at this link...

The USS Tripoli's air wing includes nearly 20 F-35B fighters from VMFA-121, MV-22B tiltrotors from VMM-265, and MH-60S helicopters from HSC-25, forming a composite aviation force capable of strike, ISR, and transport missions. (Picture source: US Navy)

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US-built first Saudi MMSC frigate HMS Saud launched at Fincantieri’s shipyard

According to information published by the Saudi Ministry of Defense on December 18, 2025, the first Multi-Mission Surface Combatant frigate constructed in the United States for the Royal Saudi Navy has been officially launched at Fincantieri Marinette Marine’s shipyard in Marinette, Wisconsin. The ship, designated HMS Saud with pennant number 820 and also known as Jalalat Al-Malik Saud in honor of King Saud, is the lead vessel in a four-ship program ordered under Project Tuwaiq through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales framework, a deal that defense officials have repeatedly described as a cornerstone of bilateral naval cooperation. Read more. The HMS Saud (820) has an overall length of approximately 118 meters, in some sources detailed as 118.6 meters, with a beam of 17.6 meters, a draft of about 4.3 meters, and a full-load displacement estimated at roughly 3,600 tonnes. (Picture source: Saudi MoD) Read full Defense news. from World Defence News https://ift....

U.S. Army Conducts Gunnery Exercise With Latest Air Defense System Sgt Stout.

U.S. Army officials confirmed that a live gunnery exercise at Fort Hood, Texas, is underway, featuring the latest-generation Sgt Stout short-range air defense system. The drills mark a significant step toward full operational integration as units across the force adapt to evolving threats from drones, rotary-wing aircraft, and low-flying munitions. It matters because Sgt. Stout enhances the Army’s ability to defend forward-deployed troops and critical infrastructure from modern aerial threats. Read full Defense News at this link ... A U.S. Army SGT Stout SHORAD air defense vehicle maneuvers into firing position during live-fire training with the 6th Battalion, 56th Air Defense Artillery Regiment at Fort Hood, Texas, on October 3, 2025. (Picture source: U.S. Department of War) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/NYmsS1n via IFTTT

Four Eastern European Countries Expel Russian Diplomats

Russia's flag flutters in front of the embassy building in Tallinn, Estonia. Copyright RAIGO PAJULA / AFP, FILE RFE: Bulgaria Expels 10 Russian Diplomats, Baltics Follow Suit With Another 10 Expulsions Bulgaria is expelling 10 Russian diplomats saying they were carrying out activities deemed incompatible with their diplomatic status, a move followed up quickly by the Baltic nations of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The Bulgarian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on March 18 that it had given the 10 diplomats 72 hours to leave. The statement did not give a more detailed reason for the expulsions, but since Russia launched its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, the Russian ambassador in Sofia has repeatedly made contradictory statements about Bulgaria's position on the conflict. The ministry also did not say who was included on the list of people being expelled. Read more .... WNU Editor: With tensions being as high as they are right now, expect ...

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