Iain Ballantyne
@iainballantyne.bsky.social
Editor Warships IFR magazine and its associated guides to the US Navy and Royal Navy. Author of books, including 'Hunter Killers', 'The Deadly Trade', 'Killing the Bismarck', 'Arnhem: Ten Days in The Cauldron' plus a forthcoming novel.
Pinned
The cows of Countess Wear: encountered on a walk from Exeter to Topsham. The spot where Airborne infantry of the Ox & Bucks rehearsed the D-Day attack on 'Pegasus Bridge'. Wrote about that assault for the prologue of my 'Arnhem: Ten Days in The Cauldron' @canelobooks.bsky.social
#ww2 #history
#ww2 #history
BANG! A new edition of Warships IFR magazine is now deployed in shops and avail direct warshipsifr.com/subscriptions/ Cover star is US Navy battleship USS Wisconsin firing a broadside. Courtesy NHHC/USN.
#navies #magazine #digitalpublishing #publishing #newedition #battleship #usswisconsin
#navies #magazine #digitalpublishing #publishing #newedition #battleship #usswisconsin
November 21, 2025 at 11:47 AM
BANG! A new edition of Warships IFR magazine is now deployed in shops and avail direct warshipsifr.com/subscriptions/ Cover star is US Navy battleship USS Wisconsin firing a broadside. Courtesy NHHC/USN.
#navies #magazine #digitalpublishing #publishing #newedition #battleship #usswisconsin
#navies #magazine #digitalpublishing #publishing #newedition #battleship #usswisconsin
Amid headlines about the Yantar spy ship & recent submarine Novorossiysk incident our latest podcast episode sees Dr James Bosbotinis & myself discuss Russian Navy reality. Plus the air of uncertainty over US commitment to NATO creating potential for catastrophic miscalculatio pod.fo/e/3534b7
November 20, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Amid headlines about the Yantar spy ship & recent submarine Novorossiysk incident our latest podcast episode sees Dr James Bosbotinis & myself discuss Russian Navy reality. Plus the air of uncertainty over US commitment to NATO creating potential for catastrophic miscalculatio pod.fo/e/3534b7
It's that aggravating Russian spy ship Yantar up to no good again off the British Isles. Thermal image courtesy of the UK MoD. The MoD says Yantar has been targeting Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPAs) of the RAF with light lasers. Could potentially blind pilots.
November 19, 2025 at 3:06 PM
It's that aggravating Russian spy ship Yantar up to no good again off the British Isles. Thermal image courtesy of the UK MoD. The MoD says Yantar has been targeting Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPAs) of the RAF with light lasers. Could potentially blind pilots.
Our latest Warships IFR TV naval news video in case you missed it. A wildcat helicopter armed with Martlet missiles. Some 'whoosh!' A bit of 'bang!' And some .50-calibre 'rat-tat-tat-tat-tat.' All from the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZjg...
DRONE KILLER MISSILE READY FOR ACTION
YouTube video by WARSHIPS IFR TV
www.youtube.com
October 31, 2025 at 9:35 AM
Our latest Warships IFR TV naval news video in case you missed it. A wildcat helicopter armed with Martlet missiles. Some 'whoosh!' A bit of 'bang!' And some .50-calibre 'rat-tat-tat-tat-tat.' All from the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZjg...
Warships IFR magazine Assistant Editor Stephen Jagger was at Portsmouth recently & captured some video footage of this historic vessel, MGB 81, which saw combat in the Channel & North Sea during WW2. Looking good! Sounding great too - a satisfying purr of her powerful engines audible. #ww2 #history
October 24, 2025 at 10:54 AM
Busy times on NATO's Northern Flank: footage & pics from the Norwegian Armed Forces in a special for the Warships IFR magazine video channel - exercises at sea off/ashore in Norway & further North + Russian intel-gatherers. Also covered in the new edition of the mag
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaUA...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaUA...
NATO 'TOP GUNS' IN NORTHERN SKIES
YouTube video by WARSHIPS IFR TV
www.youtube.com
October 20, 2025 at 8:48 AM
Busy times on NATO's Northern Flank: footage & pics from the Norwegian Armed Forces in a special for the Warships IFR magazine video channel - exercises at sea off/ashore in Norway & further North + Russian intel-gatherers. Also covered in the new edition of the mag
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaUA...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaUA...
The cows of Countess Wear: encountered on a walk from Exeter to Topsham. The spot where Airborne infantry of the Ox & Bucks rehearsed the D-Day attack on 'Pegasus Bridge'. Wrote about that assault for the prologue of my 'Arnhem: Ten Days in The Cauldron' @canelobooks.bsky.social
#ww2 #history
#ww2 #history
October 18, 2025 at 9:59 AM
The cows of Countess Wear: encountered on a walk from Exeter to Topsham. The spot where Airborne infantry of the Ox & Bucks rehearsed the D-Day attack on 'Pegasus Bridge'. Wrote about that assault for the prologue of my 'Arnhem: Ten Days in The Cauldron' @canelobooks.bsky.social
#ww2 #history
#ww2 #history
Deployed now! The new edition of Warships IFR magazine, with Indian Navy warship INS Tamal (pic by Michael Nitz) on the cover. Get it in shops or direct digital, hard copy direct from the publisher sundialmedia.escosubs.co.uk/subscribe/wa...
#warships #navies #naval #military #defence #maritime
#warships #navies #naval #military #defence #maritime
October 18, 2025 at 9:55 AM
Reposted by Iain Ballantyne
Another ‘narco submarine’ found in the Solomon Islands, after it sailed all the way across the Pacific(!). This is the 3rd publicly reported example there.
Note that it’s empty and the outboard motors have been removed
Note that it’s empty and the outboard motors have been removed
October 9, 2025 at 5:59 AM
Another ‘narco submarine’ found in the Solomon Islands, after it sailed all the way across the Pacific(!). This is the 3rd publicly reported example there.
Note that it’s empty and the outboard motors have been removed
Note that it’s empty and the outboard motors have been removed
Here's a video of how a Norwegian frigate was sunk by a submarine-launched torpedo off Norway www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ovdn... Caution: if you are prone to seasickness the up close angles of the finale may not be for you 🤢 More to come in Warships IFR magazine...
#maritime #news #weapons #naval
#maritime #news #weapons #naval
NORWEGIAN WARSHIP TORPEDOED
YouTube video by WARSHIPS IFR TV
www.youtube.com
October 9, 2025 at 8:42 AM
Here's a video of how a Norwegian frigate was sunk by a submarine-launched torpedo off Norway www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ovdn... Caution: if you are prone to seasickness the up close angles of the finale may not be for you 🤢 More to come in Warships IFR magazine...
#maritime #news #weapons #naval
#maritime #news #weapons #naval
The Duke Class (Type 23) frigate HMS Somerset has conducted the first ever Royal Navy firing of a Naval Strike Missile (NSM), on the Andøya range off Norway. It was part of Aegir 25, an exercise that also saw missile firings using land-based launch systems. #hmssomerset #royalnavy #warship #naval
September 29, 2025 at 7:24 PM
The Duke Class (Type 23) frigate HMS Somerset has conducted the first ever Royal Navy firing of a Naval Strike Missile (NSM), on the Andøya range off Norway. It was part of Aegir 25, an exercise that also saw missile firings using land-based launch systems. #hmssomerset #royalnavy #warship #naval
Reposted by Iain Ballantyne
Although old, no longer amphibious (?), and not all active, the vintage Be-12 MAIL remains in active use for maritime patrol off Crimea, detecting Ukrainian small boat and USV operations
❗️🇺🇦Ukrainian kamikaze drones attack two 🇷🇺Russian Be-12 Chaika amphibious aircraft in temporarily occupied Crimea.
Another Mi-8 helicopter was also attacked.
Another Mi-8 helicopter was also attacked.
September 22, 2025 at 5:54 AM
Although old, no longer amphibious (?), and not all active, the vintage Be-12 MAIL remains in active use for maritime patrol off Crimea, detecting Ukrainian small boat and USV operations
Reposted by Iain Ballantyne
This telephone box in the heart of Sea Mills is the Sea Mills Museum.
Opened in 2019, it repurposed a disused 1936 K6 red telephone box (originally installed to celebrate the jubilee of George V).
Inside are historic photographs, artefacts and information about the area’s history.
Opened in 2019, it repurposed a disused 1936 K6 red telephone box (originally installed to celebrate the jubilee of George V).
Inside are historic photographs, artefacts and information about the area’s history.
September 21, 2025 at 7:40 PM
This telephone box in the heart of Sea Mills is the Sea Mills Museum.
Opened in 2019, it repurposed a disused 1936 K6 red telephone box (originally installed to celebrate the jubilee of George V).
Inside are historic photographs, artefacts and information about the area’s history.
Opened in 2019, it repurposed a disused 1936 K6 red telephone box (originally installed to celebrate the jubilee of George V).
Inside are historic photographs, artefacts and information about the area’s history.
Royal Navy patrol boat HMS Explorer at Portsmouth earlier in September, seemingly acting as drone mothership. Video by Stephen Jagger. For articles on the UK fleet's use of autonomous systems see the Warships IFR 'Guide to the Royal Navy 2026' sundialmedia.escosubs.co.uk/store/produc... #royalnavy
September 22, 2025 at 10:06 AM
Royal Navy patrol boat HMS Explorer at Portsmouth earlier in September, seemingly acting as drone mothership. Video by Stephen Jagger. For articles on the UK fleet's use of autonomous systems see the Warships IFR 'Guide to the Royal Navy 2026' sundialmedia.escosubs.co.uk/store/produc... #royalnavy
Here's Russian Navy intel-gathering ship RFS Vasiliy Tatishchev, returning from the Norwegian Sea to Baltic Sea, after shadowing US Navy's USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group. Also check out our next Warships IFR mag (in production). Photo: Michael Nitz, Naval Press Service. #russian #spyship
September 22, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Video inspired by my 'Arnhem: Ten Days in The Cauldron' @canelobooks.bsky.social using archive footage, caps & quotes from the book to tell the story in brief
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZBr...
#ww2 #history #arnhem #airborneforces #battleofarnhem #arnhem81
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZBr...
#ww2 #history #arnhem #airborneforces #battleofarnhem #arnhem81
ARNHEM 80: INTO THE CAULDRON
YouTube video by Iain Ballantyne
www.youtube.com
September 20, 2025 at 10:43 AM
Video inspired by my 'Arnhem: Ten Days in The Cauldron' @canelobooks.bsky.social using archive footage, caps & quotes from the book to tell the story in brief
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZBr...
#ww2 #history #arnhem #airborneforces #battleofarnhem #arnhem81
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZBr...
#ww2 #history #arnhem #airborneforces #battleofarnhem #arnhem81
The Warships IFR team maintained a high speed of advance July - September to produce two mags while also turning out the latest 'Guide to the Royal Navy' special edition. BZ all.
Both are in UK shops & globally or direct warshipsifr.com/subscriptions/ or sundialmedia.escosubs.co.uk/store/produc...
Both are in UK shops & globally or direct warshipsifr.com/subscriptions/ or sundialmedia.escosubs.co.uk/store/produc...
September 20, 2025 at 10:34 AM
The Warships IFR team maintained a high speed of advance July - September to produce two mags while also turning out the latest 'Guide to the Royal Navy' special edition. BZ all.
Both are in UK shops & globally or direct warshipsifr.com/subscriptions/ or sundialmedia.escosubs.co.uk/store/produc...
Both are in UK shops & globally or direct warshipsifr.com/subscriptions/ or sundialmedia.escosubs.co.uk/store/produc...
Reposted by Iain Ballantyne
I wonder what the names of SSN 1 and 2 were.
September 20, 2025 at 12:44 AM
I wonder what the names of SSN 1 and 2 were.
Reposted by Iain Ballantyne
PHOTO OF THE DAY. Jimi Hendrix in Montagu Place, London. 📷 David Magnus (1967).
September 18, 2025 at 8:33 AM
PHOTO OF THE DAY. Jimi Hendrix in Montagu Place, London. 📷 David Magnus (1967).
Reposted by Iain Ballantyne
***New Analysis***
China’s New Giant Underwater Drone Increases Naval Mine Threat Around Taiwan
The AJX002's covert, almost deniable nature, increases the likelihood that China will use naval mines.
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
China’s New Giant Underwater Drone Increases Naval Mine Threat Around Taiwan
The AJX002's covert, almost deniable nature, increases the likelihood that China will use naval mines.
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
China’s New Giant Underwater Drone Increases Naval Mine Threat Around Taiwan - Naval News
China unveiled its AJX002 underwater minelaying drone, signalling a significant expansion and modernization of its capabilities. The dedicated platform enhances blockade potential, particularly around...
www.navalnews.com
September 18, 2025 at 8:40 AM
***New Analysis***
China’s New Giant Underwater Drone Increases Naval Mine Threat Around Taiwan
The AJX002's covert, almost deniable nature, increases the likelihood that China will use naval mines.
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
China’s New Giant Underwater Drone Increases Naval Mine Threat Around Taiwan
The AJX002's covert, almost deniable nature, increases the likelihood that China will use naval mines.
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
Lt Jeff Noble, aged 20, Medium Machine Gun Platoon CO in the 156th Para Bn, has his 39 men split across two Dakotas for the 18.9.44 drop, but the aircraft turns back after the parachute on one of two containers underneath deploys. This sees an interesting attempt to ditch it...
#ww2 #history #Arnhem
#ww2 #history #Arnhem
September 18, 2025 at 8:37 AM
Another 1st for the Royal Navy clocked up during the UK Carrier Strike Group 2025 deployment. A Malloy T-150 octo-copter flew ‘critical supplies...from ship to ship,’ said the RN. Here we see the drone flying between destroyer HMS Dauntless & carrier HMS Prince of Wales.
September 9, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Another 1st for the Royal Navy clocked up during the UK Carrier Strike Group 2025 deployment. A Malloy T-150 octo-copter flew ‘critical supplies...from ship to ship,’ said the RN. Here we see the drone flying between destroyer HMS Dauntless & carrier HMS Prince of Wales.
We've reactivated the Warships IFR 'TV channel' after a fallow period, so if you want to dive into almost 100 videos of naval action take a look. And here's something on a recent rather large exercise off Australia www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cbrb... Also covered in the magazine itself #warships #navies
A STORY IN THREE PARTS: TALISMAN SABRE 2025
YouTube video by WARSHIPS IFR TV
www.youtube.com
September 5, 2025 at 8:17 AM
We've reactivated the Warships IFR 'TV channel' after a fallow period, so if you want to dive into almost 100 videos of naval action take a look. And here's something on a recent rather large exercise off Australia www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cbrb... Also covered in the magazine itself #warships #navies
A milestone for the UK's Type 31 frigate programme was installation of the first ship's mainmast by Babcock as seen in this video. Btw there's a feat on future Royal Navy frigates in our forthcoming 'Guide to the Royal Navy'. Pre-order sundialmedia.escosubs.co.uk/store/produc...
#royalnavy
#royalnavy
August 30, 2025 at 8:27 AM
A milestone for the UK's Type 31 frigate programme was installation of the first ship's mainmast by Babcock as seen in this video. Btw there's a feat on future Royal Navy frigates in our forthcoming 'Guide to the Royal Navy'. Pre-order sundialmedia.escosubs.co.uk/store/produc...
#royalnavy
#royalnavy
As this is the official #VJDay 80 let's not forget the so-called 'Forgotten Fleet' & its part. Here's a photo of sailors of the British Pacific Fleet - led by & mainly Royal Navy units - on the flight-deck of one carrier studying a vista containing two others. #ww2 #history #navy #naval #JVDay80
August 15, 2025 at 5:20 PM