Iran launches naval drills as tensions with US rise. US launches largest fighter jet and warship buildup toward Iran. Tension exploding in the Strait of Hormuz.

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The exercise comes amid growing tensions with the US. The Strait of Hormuz is considered the world’s most important gateway for oil transport.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) began on Monday a navy exercise in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, state media reported.

The intensive drills, named “Smart Control of Hormuz Strait” were being conducted by the IRGC naval forces, and under the supervision of the head of the IRGC, state TV reported.

The drill aimed at testing the readiness of operational forces in the face of “possible security and military threats,” the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported.

https://www.dw.com/en/iran-launches-strait-of-hormuz-drills/a-75990650

Newest old tech in warfare: Balloons…

A military technology from the French Revolution is finding new life on the modern AI-powered battlefield.

From Russia’s war in Ukraine to the Pacific Ocean, balloons are making a comeback, boosted by high-tech innovations in sensors, autonomy and materials. The low-cost, floating systems can spy, link communications networks and transport payloads. They barely show up on radar and soar high above electronic-warfare transmissions that fry other airborne devices.

They also carry weapons, including one-way attack drones, thousands of miles to hit faraway targets, causing destruction and sowing fear far from the front lines.

Militaries large and small are paying attention. High-altitude balloons are slated to be part of U.S. Army exercises in Nevada and across Europe in April, and the service is preparing to test swarms of balloons in the Pacific late this year. European allies are testing balloons for a variety of military roles.

https://www.wsj.com/politics/national-security/the-newest-old-tech-in-warfare-balloons-0966e9af