So far, the U.S. Navy has fired more than 850 Tomahawk missiles in the war with Iran, officials familiar with the matter told TheWashington Post. This has prompted discussions about how more missiles could be made available.
The Arleigh Burke class destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) fires Tomahawk missiles from the forward missile deck while underway in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, in support of Operation Epic Fury, March 3, 2026. U.S. Navy Photo U.S. Central Command Public Affa
As it stands, only a few hundred examples of the critical long-range strike weapon are manufactured each year, meaning the global supply is limited. The exact number available to the U.S. military at any given time is a closely guarded secret, although the article suggested a higher-end figure of between 4,000 and 4,500 Tomahawk missiles on hand at the start of Epic Fury, and a lower-end figure closer to 3,000 missiles. Again, the Tomahawk would be a primary weapon system used in a conflict with China, where the target sets can range into the tens of thousands, and the country’s anti-access umbrella will require the use of standoff munitions like none other in history.
“The Pentagon has tracked the number of Tomahawks used with an increasing focus on what the burn rate will mean for not only a sustained campaign against Iran but for future military operations as well,” the report states.
I’ve posted nearly every TLAM launch video released by the DOD, major launch salvoes had continued until at least the weekend of the 14th. https://t.co/xYP9yaVySs
One official told TheWashington Post that the number of Tomahawks left in the Middle East was “alarmingly low,” while another said that without intervention, the Pentagon is closing in on “Winchester” — military slang meaning out of ammunition — for its supply of the missiles in the region.
The Tomahawk also comes with a hefty price tag: up to $3.6 million for some of the more recent versions, and each round can require up to two years to build. The Navy also faces a problem in that, in recent years, only small batches have been purchased: just 57 examples were included in last year’s defense budget.
At the same time, the Trump administration has repeatedly claimed that critical munitions stockpiles have not been dangerously depleted in the Iran war.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said earlier this month that the U.S. military “has more than enough munitions, ammo and weapons stockpiles to achieve the goals of Operation Epic Fury laid out by President Trump — and beyond.”
Every indication we have seen is that for some munitions, that is not reality. The war in Ukraine and constant crisis in the Middle East have depleted those stockpiles, and many of the weapons take years to build, with finite caps on how many can be delivered in any given year. This is a story we have been covering for years. The Trump administration is working to greatly expand production of advanced munitions, but even the fruits of those efforts will take years to realize.
UPDATES:
We have concluded updates for the day.
UPDATE: 10:37 PM EST-
A missile and drone attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia has led to significant injuries to U.S. personnel. 10 American service members were wounded, two of which were seriously injured. It isn’t clear what damage was done to aircraft, but we have seen at least one tanker destroyed in recent satellite imagery. This is in addition to the attack that damaged multiple tankers and destroyed another earlier in the war.
Ten American service members were wounded in an Iranian drone and missile attack on Prince Sultan Airbase earlier today-Multiple US and Arab officials to the WSJ
“The injured service members were inside a building on the base that was struck in the attack, the officials said…At least one missile struck the base, as well as several unmanned aerial vehicles…The missile strike is at least the second to strike the base during the war… pic.twitter.com/bI5MrwmEDE
Trump is threatening to abandon NATO after member nations did not pitch in with opening the Strait:
NOW – Trump suggests the U.S. may abandon NATO countries: “We would’ve always been there for them [NATO], but now based on their actions I guess we don’t have to be.” pic.twitter.com/NKgO72FUvf
As expected, the USS George Washington and its strike group are deploying to the Middle East:
New: The USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier will deploy to U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility, the major combatant command overseeing American military operations against Iran, sources told @JimLaPorta@ellee_watson and me. @CBSNews
Reuters is reporting that Arab states in the Gulf are urging the United States to ensure that any deal with Tehran should do more than end the war. Instead, it must ensure Iranian missile and drone capabilities are “permanently curbed” and that Iran will never again be able to “weaponize” global energy supplies. The agency cites four unnamed Gulf sources.
Meanwhile, it appears that Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait are prioritizing a quick end to the war, while the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain are more willing for the fighting to continue, if their longer-term aims are met in any deal to end the war.
Qatar, Oman and Kuwait are pushing behind closed doors for a swift end to the war. The UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain say they are ready to absorb an escalation of the war and will not accept a post-war Iran that is still able to use the Strait of Hormuz as a bargaining chip. https://t.co/LI26CkM40E
The Iranian foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, has confirmed that Israel struck two of its most important steel production facilities, as well as nuclear sites — presumably including the Khondab Heavy Water Complex (see previous updates).
Araghchi said that Friday’s strikes contradicted President Donald Trump’s pledge to postpone attacking Iran’s energy infrastructure for 10 days after he claimed talks were “going well.” He further said that Tehran would exact a “heavy price” for the attacks.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi:
Israel has hit 2 of Iran’s largest steel factories, a power plant and civilian nuclear sites among other infrastructure. Israel claims it acted in coordination with the U.S.
Attack contradicts POTUS extended deadline for diplomacy.
Saudi Arabia wants the U.S. military to ramp up its attacks on Iran, according to a Saudi intelligence source, and the kingdom is meanwhile reportedly also considering joining the fight directly, alongside the United States and Israel. Whether or not Saudi Arabia also starts launching strikes against Iran remains to be seen, but it is the clearest indication so far that the kingdom might become more deeply involved in the conflict, at least at some level.
A Saudi intelligence source confirmed to The Guardian that Riyadh was urging the United States to both continue and intensify the military campaign against Iran. The same source confirmed similar reporting in The New York Times, which states that Saudi Arabia’s de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, had called upon Trump to not curtail Operation Epic Fury, and that the U.S.-Israeli campaign represented a “historic opportunity” to remake the Middle East.
U.S. President Donald Trump meets with Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia during a bilateral meeting in the Oval Office of the White House on November 18, 2025. Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images Win McNamee
Earlier this week, Trump told journalists that the crown prince is “a warrior. He’s fighting with us.”
At this point, however, there are no reports of active Saudi military involvement in the conflict, but the kingdom is now at least weighing up that option, if peace efforts fail.
This week, The Wall Street Journal and Jerusalem Post both reported that Saudi Arabia has decided to open up additional military bases for the use of the U.S. military in its operations against Iran. Reportedly, the facilities include King Fahd Air Base in Taif in western Saudi Arabia.
If Saudi Arabia were to begin strikes on Iran, the powerful Royal Saudi Air Force fleet of F-15 Eagles would likely figure prominently. These examples are taxiing at King Faisal Air Base, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Leala Marquez Senior Airman Leala Marquez
Saudi Arabia has come under direct Iranian attack since the start of Epic Fury, including a drone strike last week on the oil refinery in Yanbu on the Saudi Red Sea coast.
At the same time, Saudi oil exports are not as vulnerable as those of other countries in the region, so it has not suffered to the same degree as other Gulf states. Much of Saudi Arabia’s oil exports are carried by a pipeline to the Red Sea, purposefully avoiding the Strait of Hormuz.
There is also the threat that the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, which have long waged a separate war with Saudi Arabia, could be drawn into the current conflict if the Saudi position changes.
Were that to happen, the vital Red Sea oil pipeline could become a very prominent target for Iran and the Houthis.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared today that shipping “to and from ports of allies and supporters of the Israeli-American enemies” is prohibited through any corridor or to any destination, Iranian state media reported.
The IRGC added that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed and any attempted transit through the strategic waterway will face “harsh measures.”
There have been reports today of three container ships of various nationalities turning back from the Strait of Hormuz, after warnings were issued by the IRGC Navy.
IRGC:
This morning, following the lies of the corrupt president of America regarding the openness of the Strait of Hormuz, three container ships of different nationalities moved toward the designated corridor for the transit of ships with permits, which were turned back with a… pic.twitter.com/uIvDmzpBQJ
Following COSCO’s announcement to resume booking acceptance to Gulf destinations, new developments overnight suggest the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains highly unstable.
As we reported in our previous rolling coverage, Trump threatened last Saturday that he would destroy Iranian power plants if Tehran did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours.
On Monday, the U.S. leader postponed his threat for five days (until Friday), citing “very good and productive conversations” with Iran on ending the war — something that Tehran has described as “fake news.”
Now, Trump is pushing that deadline back again, pausing his threat to attack Iran’s energy infrastructure for 10 days until April 6, claiming that the request came from Tehran and that talks were going “very well.”
At the same time, there are suggestions that the Iran war, in general, may be of diminishing interest to the U.S. president.
“[Trump] is getting a little bored with Iran,” a senior White House official told Jake Traylor of MS NOW. “Not that he regrets it or something — he’s just bored and wants to move on.”
There are suggestions of something of a rift between Israel and the United States, as to the course the conflict should take.
According to Israeli journalist Barak Ravid, U.S. Vice President JD Vance had a “difficult” call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this week.
Reportedly, Vance said that Israeli assessments for toppling the Iranian regime were not realistic enough, saying, “You were too optimistic in your assessments regarding the overthrow of the regime in Iran.”
According to Barak Ravid, U.S. Vice President JD Vance had a difficult call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday where he said that Israeli assessments for toppling the Iranian regime were not realistic enough, saying “You were too optimistic in your… pic.twitter.com/KfEuGbUkzt
As we reported earlier this week, F-35Cs from the U.S. Marine Corps are the latest fighters poised to deploy to the Middle East region for Operation Epic Fury. The movement of these aircraft to RAF Lakenheath in England signals what is set to be the first land-based combat deployment for the F-35C, the carrier variant of the Joint Strike Fighter flown by both the Navy and Marine Corps. We now have some better imagery of the first visit of these aircraft to a base in the United Kingdom.
🇺🇸 The Tomcats / VMFA-311
Four Lockheed Martin F-35Cs of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 311 (VMFA-311) based at MCAS Miramar departed RAF Lakenheath on the 26th March as MAZDA 31-34.
This is the first time ever that F-35Cs have visited the United Kingdom.
The United Arab Emirates has told allies that it would participate in a multinational maritime task force intended to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, as it pushes to form a coalition to ensure shipping can pass through the vital waterway, the Financial Timesreports.
According to the FT, the UAE has told the United States and other Western nations that it would take part, and that Abu Dhabi would deploy assets from its own navy.
Like Saudi Arabia, the UAE is taking a harder line on Iran, as it comes under regular attack by Tehran’s retaliation strikes.
The same report also states that the UAE is working on a UN Security Council resolution with Bahrain to provide any future task force with a mandate.
The UAE is pushing to form a multinational naval force to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
It’s willing to deploy its own navy and is lobbying allies and the UN for support.
Only Bahrain has backed the plan so far, while others remain cautious.
According to an assessment from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, D.C., the U.S. strike campaign has settled into a “sustainable pace of bombing,” striking between 300 and 500 targets per day. U.S. forces are also now mainly using stand-in weapons, rather than more expensive standoff munitions. As a result of the “munitions transition,” the costs of running the war have been greatly reduced — although not without risk to aircraft and airmen.
“The U.S. strike campaign has settled into a sustainable pace of bombing between 300 and 500 targets per day. U.S. forces also now predominantly use far less expensive, short-range munitions.” https://t.co/iQm636cWwO
The Pentagon is looking at sending up to 10,000 additional ground troops to the Middle East, the Wall Street Journal has reported, quoting Defense Department officials. Having more troops in the region would give Trump more military options and greater bargaining power, as he seeks to bring Tehran to the negotiating table.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has said that “it should not be necessary” for U.S. forces to invade Iran. “I think we can get this resolved without it,” he added.
House Speaker Mike Johnson tells @BretBaier, “It should not be necessary” for U.S. forces to invade Iran. “I think we can get this resolved without it.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also suggested that the U.S. military will not need to deploy ground troops to accomplish U.S. objectives in the war, although he also reflected on the importance of giving Trump “maximum optionality” for any contingency.
NEW: Secretary of State Marco Rubio tells me at the airport before leaving France that the US does NOT need to deploy ground troops to accomplish its objectives in the #IranWar.
But part of the cabinet’s job is to always give President Trump maximum optionality, he adds. pic.twitter.com/oYQrmF6Fdy
So far, it seems that Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has not yet agreed to negotiations.
Should the U.S. military conduct some kind of ground operation, various energy infrastructure within the United Arab Emirates (UAE) would come under Iranian attack, with a target list published by Iran’s state-backed Fars News Agency. Designated targets include desalination plants, nuclear power plants, and other power hubs across the UAE.
Iran’s state-backed Fars News Agency has released a target list of energy infrastructure within the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that they plan to strike if the U.S. conducts a ground operation against the strategically and economically important Kharg Island or any other Iranian… pic.twitter.com/PbwM14SPIZ
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) say they carried out further strikes on targets in Tehran early on Friday. A brief military statement said Israeli forces “completed a wide-scale wave of strikes targeting infrastructure of the Iranian terror regime in the heart of Tehran.”
In a separate statement, the IDF said that it had also struck “ballistic missiles and aerial defense systems production sites across Iran.” It reported hitting missile launchers and storage sites in western Iran, as well as missile production sites in the capital. Other targets apparently included Iran’s primary facility for the production of naval cruise missiles and sea mines in Yazd, Iran.
“The site was used for the planning, development, assembly, and storage of advanced missiles intended for launch from cruise platforms, submarines, and helicopters toward both mobile and stationary maritime targets,” the IDF said.
🎯🌊 STRUCK: Iranian Regime’s primary facility for the productions of missiles and sea mines in Yazd, Iran
The site was used for the planning, development, assembly, and storage of advanced missiles intended for launch from cruise platforms, submarines, and helicopters toward…
The latest round of U.S.-Israeli strikes hit a heavy water reactor in central Iran, Iranian media reported today.
“The Khondab Heavy Water Complex was targeted in two stages by aggression from the American and Zionist enemy,” the Fars News Agency reported, citing Hassan Ghamari, an official in the central Markazi province. Fars and other media said there were no casualties or radiation leaks from the site.
The facility is intended to produce the heavy water used to cool nuclear reactors. As a byproduct of this process, plants of this kind also produce plutonium, which can potentially be used in nuclear weapons. This would offer another route to procuring a nuclear warhead, other than enriched uranium.
There are reports out of Iran that recent U.S. and Israeli airstrikes targeted key steel production facilities. The semi-official Iranian Mehr news outlet claims that steel plants were hit in the central Iranian city of Isfahan, with separate attacks on the Khuzestan Steel and Mobarakeh Steel factories.
In response to an inquiry from The Jerusalem Post, the Israeli military said that it was not aware of any Israeli strikes on the facilities.
Reports from Iran suggest that all three of Iran’s largest steel production plants were struck in a coordinated targeted strikes.
This could substantially affect the national steel industry and manufacturing pic.twitter.com/mmrnyDS8UX
The U.S. military has deployed uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) for patrols as part of its operations against Iran, the Pentagon has said, according to the Jerusalem Post. The specific type of drone boats that have been deployed was not reported, although this is not the first time that the U.S. military has used USVs in the region, notably in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.
The Iranian foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, has accused the U.S. military of using Persian Gulf citizens as human shields.
“From outset of this war, U.S. soldiers fled military bases in GCC [Gulf Cooperation Council] to hide in hotels and offices. They use citizens as human shield. Hotels in U.S. deny bookings to officers who may endanger customers. GCC hotels should do same,” Abbas Araghchi said in a post on his X account.
IRGC:
The cowardly American and Zionist forces, who lack the courage and ability to defend their own military bases, are attempting—out of fear of the firepower of Islamic fighters—to use civilian locations and innocent people as human shields.
As we reported yesterday, Iranian bombardment of U.S. military facilities in the wider region does appear to be driving the relocation of soldiers, although there is no suggestion of a human shield policy.
According to a report from The New York Times, citing military personnel and American officials, a significant number of U.S. troops have been forced to relocate from their bases to hotels and office spaces throughout the region.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi claims that since the start of the war, US troops have left military bases in the GCC to shelter in civilian spaces, effectively using residents as human shields, and urges Gulf hotels to follow US counterparts in denying accommodation to… pic.twitter.com/MJrUht8Di1
Reports in the Lebanese media suggest that an Israeli strike hit Beirut’s southern suburbs early today. Several explosions were heard in the area, which is considered a Hezbollah stronghold. Israel has previously issued evacuation warnings for the area but provided no specific warning in advance of Friday’s strike, AFPsaid.
An Israeli M109 self-propelled howitzer artillery fires rounds towards southern Lebanon from a position in the upper Galilee in northern Israel near the border on March 26, 2026. Photo by Jack GUEZ / AFP JACK GUEZ
Kuwait’s Shuwaikh port was hit by drones, causing material damage with no injuries reported, the Kuwait Ports Authority said today.
The international airport in Kuwait City also appears to have been on the receiving end of recent Iranian attacks, with a significant blaze there today, after a reported drone strike.
🔥 Fire breaks out at fuel tanks at Kuwait International Airport following an Iranian drone attack on Thursday
Iran-linked hackers today claimed they had accessed FBI Director Kash Patel’s personal email inbox, Reutersreports. The group claims to have published photographs of the director and other documents on the internet.
Satellite imagery of the Yazd missile complex, one of the most important in Iran, from earlier this month, reveals the shadow of an apparent Khorramshahr missile before being launched toward Israel. The original Khorramshahr first emerged publicly in 2017, and it is assessed to be derived, at least in part, from a North Korean design. It is a liquid-fuel medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) with a claimed range of around 1,250 miles (2,000 kilometers).
Recent analysis from ThePrint, an Indian digital news platform, suggests that Iran has launched around 4,300 missiles and drones since the start of the current conflict, with the majority of these targeting Gulf nations, rather than Israel. The analysis states that Tehran has launched at least 1,815 drones and 372 missiles at the UAE since the start of the war. Israel, in comparison, has faced roughly 930 missile and drone attacks in the same period.
Interesting number crunching by my colleague @Keshav_Paddu
4,300 missiles & drones since day 1 of war: Gulf nations, not Israel faced brunt of #Iran’s retaliation#Israel, in comparison, has faced roughly 930 missile, drone attacks in the same period.https://t.co/WLOancpE8z
In related news, Reuters today published an assessment stating that, so far, the Pentagon can only confirm that about a third of the Iranian missile arsenal has been destroyed.
Satellite imagery from yesterday indicates that the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford has left Naval Support Activity Souda Bay in Crete, Greece, escorted by three patrol boats. The supercarrier went to Souda Bay for repairs after a fire broke out in the laundry area while underway in the Middle East on March 12, injuring two sailors.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says that his country has “reached an important arrangement” with Saudi Arabia on defense cooperation. The agreement between the defense ministries of the two countries is almost certain to involve counter-drone technologies and expertise.
“We are ready to share our expertise and systems with Saudi Arabia and to work together to strengthen the protection of lives,” Zelensky wrote on X. “Now into the fifth year, Ukrainians are resisting the same kind of terrorist attacks — ballistic missiles and drones — that the Iranian regime is currently carrying out in the Middle East and the Gulf region. Saudi Arabia also has capabilities that are of interest to Ukraine, and this cooperation can be mutually beneficial.”
We have reached an important Arrangement between the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and the Ministry of Defense of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on defense cooperation. The document was signed ahead of our meeting with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.… pic.twitter.com/j3aXzLXSNr
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 27, 2026
DISNEY is launching another cruise ship next year – with some first time princess appearances.
In 2027, Disney Cruise Line will be launching its ninth ship called the Disney Believe.
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Disney Cruise Line is launching a new ship next year called Disney BelieveCredit: Disney Cruise Line
The ship will be the fourth ship in the Wish class, joining Disney Wish, Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny.
It will be themed on “dreamers and doers who dare to pursue their own happily ever after”.
On board, stories that will be featured will be from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars.
Each Wish class ship features its own theme, for example Disney Wish is enchantment-themed, Disney Treasure is adventure-themed and the Disney Destiny is heroes and villains-themed.
Disney Believe will be ‘promise and possibilities-themed’.
Disney Cruise Line stated: “Onboard the Disney Believe, powerful tales of characters who believe in themselves and their dreams will come to life in exciting new ways.
“From the mystical worlds of Encanto and Frozen, to the wishing wells of Snow White, to the depths of the sea with Moana and The Little Mermaid, there are endless stories waiting to be discovered and new chapters ready to unfold onboard.”
These characters already feature onboard some of the Wish class ships, with an Arendelle dining experience onboard the Disney Wish.
However, Snow White currently does not feature prominently on any of the current Wish class ships.
The Disney Believe is expected to launch in late 2027.
Disney also announced last month that the Disney Wish ship will be coming to the UK next year.
The ship will sail from Southampton on three to seven-night European sailings.
Entering through the Grand Hall, passengers will meet famous Disney princes and princesses.
Inside each stateroom, passengers will find spacious wardrobes, sprawling beds and a theme specific to a Disney character.
Disney Believe will be promise and possibilities-themedCredit: Disney Cruise
When it comes to food on board the ship, guests won’t be short for choice, with market-style buffet options and immersive dining adventures, such as Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure.
As for other entertainment, passengers can head to West-End style shows including Disney Seas the Adventure, where passengers follow Goofy on a journey sailing the ship.
For a thrilling adventure, head on the Disney AquaMouse ride, which features lighting, special effects and scenes of Mickey and Minnie on different adventures.
And the ultimate night for the whole family is Pirates’ Night, where Captain Jack Sparrow takes a fateful leap from the ship’s funnel.
Parents wanting some time to themselves can check their kids into either the full-service nursery or kids and teens clubs before exploring the ship’s adult-only spaces such as the Senses Spa & Salon.
The cheapest sailing is a three-night Belgium cruise from Southampton, sailing to Zeebrugge (Bruges) in Belgium costing from £1,633 for two people.
In other cruise news, here’s the ultimate family cruise – it has a water roller coaster, a private island and an onboard beach club.
The new ship will sail across Mexico and the Caribbean, to destinations like the Dominican Republic’s Puerto Plata, as well as Great Stirrup Cay – a private island paradise in the Bahamas.
The private island is home to a sprawling pool with swim-up bars, plenty of loungers and cabanas, as well as an adults-only retreat with a private beach and bar.
Plus, the Great Tides Waterpark is set to open on the island in summer 2026, with a whopping 19 water slides and a 9,000 square-foot splash zone for families.
Other holiday hotspots across the ship’s itineraries include Bermuda, the Bahamas and Saint Thomas – home to Magens Bay, rated among the world’s most beautiful beaches.
Sailing the Norwegian Luna is a once-in-a-blue-moon cruising experience.
With an aqua coaster, obstacle courses, a free-fall slide and glowing LED sports courts, this cruise ship feels more like a giant playground.
One destination visited by the Norwegian Luna is Saint Thomas, home to Magens BayCredit: GettyHours can be spent in the Glow Court, playing sports or games on the interactive neon floorCredit: Norwegian Cruise Lines
Even the mini golf, Tee Time, is jazzed up to the max with a futuristic neon course. In fact, it’s the first interactive and tech-immersive mini golf at sea.
Meanwhile, the Glow Court makes getting in your onboard exercise more exciting.
The floor is illuminated by LEDs, transforming into a range of sports courts and interactive games.
These courts even turn into a disco lounge at night, transforming the sports floor into a party with a view.
Perhaps the most exciting activity, however, is the Aqua Slidecoaster.
This hybrid between a water slide and a roller coaster sends teams of two down a thrill ride with a splash, reaching speeds of up to 31 miles per hour!
And don’t worry about bringing your towel – this ship has a walk-in drying machine for you to step into afterwards.
Just in case you’re itching for yet another adrenaline rush, The Drop is a slide just as thrilling as the name makes it sound.
The Drop is the world’s first free fall slide at sea, spiralling down a jaw-dropping ten stories.
Thrill-seekers should have a go on the Aqua Slidecoaster as well as free fall slide, The DropCredit: Lisa MinotThere is a colourful kids’ Splash Park onboard, as well as multiple swimming poolsCredit: Norwegian Cruise Lines
Alternatively, if you have younger children (or kids who prefer something more chilled) there’s plenty of other options.
The Splash Academy is a kids club with sports, artsy activities, and supervised group sitting available in the evenings.
There’s also a complimentary dedicated space with activities for teens, The Entourage, as well as a parent and toddler play programme, Guppies.
Plus Mum and Dad aren’t forgotten about either, with a huge fitness centre, your pick of 14 bars and lounges, and a world-class spa.
The Mandara Spa is massive, boasting a two-story waterfall, multiple saunas, a thermal suite and more – all under the relaxing glow of midnight-blue lighting.
And if you really want to splash out, the adults-only private Vibe Beach Club has its own fully-stocked bar, waterfall and infinity hot tubs.
There are of course multiple swimming pools to take a dip in, too.
The spacious main pool is surrounded by plenty of stylish sun loungers, with two hot tubs and a kids’ splash park nearby.
Or take a dip in one of two infinity pools, both of which are surrounded by comfy daybeds to sprawl out on and soak up the Caribbean sun.
Laze out on a comfy daybed to soak up the Caribbean sun on the Norwegian LunaCredit: Lisa MinotThe Oceanwalk glass bridge offers unbeatable sea views, right below your feetCredit: Norwegian Cruise Lines
What makes Norwegian’s Prima Class ships stand out is the sheer amount of outdoor space there is to explore.
The Oceanwalk glass bridge lets you see the waves crash beneath your feet as you walk, whilst outdoor dining at restaurants like Los Lobos come with a side of sea views.
When it comes to food, there’s plenty of restaurants to choose from – six of which are complimentary.
The Local Bar & Grill is a cosy option offering pub classics and pints, whilst the Indulge Food Hall lets you order anything from Chinese dishes to tapas to your table via a handy iPad.
Rooms range from the simple Studio, ideal for solo travellers, to ‘The Haven’ – home to luxurious suites and cabins that come with their own 24-hour butler.
You don’t have to pay a premium to feel pampered, though, as all rooms come with comfy, spacious beds, as well as round-the-clock room service.
The Sun’s Head of Travel, Lisa Minot, recently set sail on the Norwegian Luna. She said:
“I was the first UK journalist onboard Norwegian Luna as it set sail on its first transatlantic crossing to its new home port in Miami and loved the laid back luxury of this stunning ship.
“Its celestial theme comes across in beautiful spaces – including the multi-deck Penrose atrium – that shimmer and shine with a sophisticated, luxe look.
“While there’s even more space on the top decks surrounding the main pool, what I love about NCL’s Prima class ships are the many places to sunbathe on deck eight, alongside infinity pools and oodles of comfy loungers and cabanas.
The Sun’s Head of Travel, Lisa Minot, undertook a voyage on the brand-new NCL LunaCredit: Lisa MinotThere are 17 dining options and 18 bars and lounges to choose from on NCL LunaCredit: Lisa MinotNorwegian Cruise Line’s Prima Class ships offer upscale dining with a range of world cuisinesCredit: Lisa Minot
“Families will love the huge range of innovative, high-tech attractions from the thrilling hybrid water rollercoaster, Aqua Slidecoaster, to The Drop – the world’s first free-fall slide at sea spiraling you down ten decks.
“The all-new Luna Midway is an outdoor amusement-style park with carnival inspired games and also debuting is the Moon Climber multi-level rope obstacle course.
“The whole family can do battle in the neon Glow Court where sports and social combine as cruisers compete in games across a high-tech LED floor – and the grownups can continue to enjoy the fun after dark when it transforms into a late night club.
“But Luna also scores highly for the incredible amount of choice when it comes to food and drink.
“There are 17 dining options and 18 bars and lounges across the ship, with a highlight for me being the included in your fare Indulge Food Hall, where you order from tablets from nine stations serving up everything from noodles and tapas to barbecue favourites and Indian curries.
“For those looking to splash out, there are plenty of speciality restaurants at an extra cost – I loved the freshest, tastiest sushi options in Nama and the Thai dishes with a twist in Sukhothai.
“For sunset sips, head to the Soleil Bar for stunning sea views and for sophisticated cocktails, the Belvedere Bar is a must”.
Sailing on the Norwegian Luna starts from £324pp for a 2-day cruise to the private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay.
Rooms range from single-person studios to luxurious suites and cabins, all of which are modernCredit: Norwegian Cruise LinesThe Mandara Spa has a two-story waterfall, saunas, a thermal suite and moreCredit: Lisa Minot
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (R) oversaw the test-fire of strategic cruise missiles from the naval destroyer Choe Hyon, state-run media reported Wednesday. In the photo, Kim watches the launch via video feed with his daughter Kim Ju Ae. Photo by KCNA/EPA
SEOUL, March 11 (UPI) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the test-firing of strategic cruise missiles from a naval destroyer, state media reported Wednesday, as the United States and South Korea began a large-scale joint military exercise this week.
The North’s Choe Hyon destroyer launched the missiles at island targets in the Yellow Sea on Tuesday, the official Korean Central News Agency said, with Kim watching via a video feed. The missiles flew for roughly two hours and fifty minutes before striking their targets, KCNA said.
Pyongyang described the weapons as “strategic,” a term it typically uses for systems capable of carrying nuclear warheads.
The launches came days after North Korea conducted a similar cruise missile test from the destroyer ahead of its commissioning.
The test also coincided with the start of the allies’ annual Freedom Shield exercise on Monday, an 11-day program of command-post simulations and field training drills.
North Korea has long condemned the joint exercises as rehearsals for invasion. On Tuesday, Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of Kim Jong Un, warned that the drills could destabilize the region and lead to “unimaginably terrible consequences.”
After observing the launch, Kim praised the “superiority of the destroyer’s integrated combat system,” according to KCNA.
“The components of our war deterrent are now being included in the very sophisticated operational system … and the country’s nuclear forces have made a switch to the phase of multifaceted operation,” Kim said.
Images released by state media showed Kim watching the test alongside his daughter Ju Ae, who has appeared frequently with her father at major events. South Korea’s spy agency said last month that Ju Ae, believed to have been born in 2013, appears close to being designated as Kim’s successor.
Pyongyang launched the Choe Hyon, its first 5,000-ton destroyer, last April as Kim called for strengthening the country’s naval capabilities. North Korean reports say the vessel carries a range of weapons, including nuclear-capable cruise missiles and tactical ballistic missiles.
Photos released by state media show the ship’s missile and radar systems resembling those found on Russian vessels, prompting speculation Pyongyang may have received technical assistance from Moscow.
North Korea has deployed troops, artillery and weapons to support Russia’s war in Ukraine and is believed to be receiving financial support and advanced military technology in return.
A second destroyer, the Kang Kon, suffered an accident during its launch ceremony last year that left it listing on its side before it was repaired and relaunched in June.
Kim has ordered another 5,000-ton destroyer completed by Oct. 10, the anniversary of the founding of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea.
Cruise missiles were seen launching into the sky as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw tests from a new naval destroyer aimed at assessing the warship’s capabilities.
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Kim Jong Un supervised the launch of sea-to-surface ‘strategic cruise missiles’ from country’s new naval destroyer.
Published On 5 Mar 20265 Mar 2026
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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has overseen the test-firing of “strategic cruise missiles” from a new 5,000-tonne naval destroyer before the vessel’s official commissioning, according to state media.
Kim supervised the launch of sea-to-surface missiles from the destroyer Choe Hyon on Wednesday, assessing the test as a “core” element of the new warship’s capabilities, which he described as a “new symbol of sea defence” for his country.
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Calling for the production of more warships of a similar class or better, Kim said his navy’s adoption of nuclear weapons was making progress.
“Our Navy’s forces for attacking from under and above water will grow rapidly. The arming of the Navy with nuclear weapons is making satisfactory progress,” Kim said at the Nampo Shipyard in the west of the country, according to North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
“All these successes constitute a radical change in defending our maritime sovereignty, something that we have not achieved for half a century,” he said.
South Korea’s official Yonhap news agency noted that North Korea uses references to “strategic” weapons to indicate they could have nuclear capabilities.
According to KCNA, over a two-day visit to the shipyard, spanning Tuesday and Wednesday, Kim inspected the Choe Hyon, the lead vessel in a new series of 5,000-tonne “Choe Hyon-class” destroyers currently under construction in North Korea.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversees a missile test launch conducted by the Choe Hyon naval destroyer during his visit to inspect the vessel at the Nampo Shipyard, in North Korea, on March 4, 2026 [KCNA via Reuters]
‘Wage a more active and persistent struggle’
In May 2025, North Korea’s ambitious naval modernisation programme suffered a major setback when a second Choe Hyon-class destroyer capsized during a botched side-launch ceremony at Chongjin Shipyard, an incident witnessed by the Korean leader.
Later, and in a rare admission of failure, KCNA reported that a launch mechanism malfunction caused the stern of the 5,000-tonne destroyer to slide prematurely into the water. The accident crushed parts of the hull and left the bow stranded on the shipway.
At the time, Kim characterised the launch failure as a “criminal act”, blaming the incident on “absolute carelessness” and “irresponsibility” across multiple state institutions.
This week’s missile tests come after the North Korean leader pledged in late February to lift living standards as he opened a rare congress of the governing Workers’ Party, held once every five years.
Kim told the congress that the ruling party was “faced with heavy and urgent historic tasks of boosting economic construction and the people’s standard of living”.
“This requires us to wage a more active and persistent struggle without allowing even a moment’s standstill or stagnation,” he said.
North Korea has prioritised nuclear weapons development and military strength above all else, claiming that it must be militarily strong to resist pressure from the United States and its ally, South Korea.
Since taking power in late 2011, Kim has maintained the military as a core priority while simultaneously emphasising economic strengthening to address the country’s chronic impoverishment.
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The Navy has posted its first pictures from Operation Epic Fury, showing a variety of actions that have been taken so far, especially the launches of RGM-109 Tomahawk Land-Attack Missiles (TLAMs) from its Arleigh Burke class destroyers. One image, in particular, caught our eye. It shows a glossy black TLAM unlike any we have seen before.
To date, we have never seen a black Tomahawk before. Today, the missiles are usually painted in the same haze gray tone we have been accustomed to seeing on pretty much everything in the U.S. Navy. All the other TLAMs shown being fired appear to be painted in this standard scheme, so what we are seeing appears genuinely new.
Other images and videos from the strikes show TLAMs in their standard gray color. (USN)
The dark color of the TLAM in question fits with that of another missile in the U.S. Navy’s inventory, the stealthy AGM-158C Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM). These advanced cruise missiles are delivered, at least in part, not in the flat gray tone as seen on their land-attack cousins, the AGM-158 JASSM, but instead with a glossy black coating. This appears to be the case for earlier testing models and at least some operational ones. It’s our best guess that a very similar coating is now being applied to the latest TLAMs coming off the production line for the Navy.
A LRASM undergoing flight testing. (USN) A LRASM seen before a test flight. (USN)
As for why black is the new gray, as it would seem, we would expect this to be a low observable coating aimed at enhancing the survivability of the weapon, especially for strikes against maritime targets. It can also make the missile harder to spot while skimming low over the water. Having radar-absorbent and infrared suppressive properties could also be a major benefit. This is especially true for the TLAM, which has been around for decades and has been continuously improved upon to keep it relevant and effective. That has included adding low observable features, such as the chined crease in its nose section that reduces its radar cross-section from the critical front aspect. It’s also worth noting that the small v-shape gray portion of this black TLAM is the inlet door that retracts once the missile is boosted to sustained speed shortly after launch.
Block V TLAM seen with its ‘chined’ nose cone. (USN)
This new coating would appear to be part of the upgrades likely included on the latest Maritime Strike Tomahawk, otherwise known as the MST, which has a long-range anti-ship function.
F-18 follows Tomahawk Missile
The Maritime Strike Tomahawk (MST) is a subvariant of the latest Block V variant of the Tactical Tomahawk (TACOM), and is also known as the Block Va. Though the Block IV TACOM already has a demonstrated anti-ship capability, MST has additional features to optimize it for this role. This most notably includes a new multi-mode guidance system that reportedly includes an imaging infrared seeker. All Block V Tomahawks also come with a two-way data link, allowing them to receive course correction and other targeting updates, as well as be entirely retasked, during flight.
A set of unclassified briefing slides that Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) released last year lends additional credence to the black-colored Tomahawk being an MST. One slide includes a mention of MST along with a very low-resolution picture showing a dark-colored missile.
An unclassified NAVAIR briefing slide giving an overview of the different elements of the Tomahawk Weapon System program, including the MST variant. USNA close-up look at the image used to illustrate the MST section of the 2025 briefing slide, showing a distinctly dark-colored missile. USN
It isn’t clear when the first MSTs were delivered, but unless this coating is being put on past variants of the missile, this may be the first time we have seen one of these new Tomahawk variants in action.
Update:
We are also seeing video showing what appear to be TLAMs with forward swept wings. If these are indeed TLAMs, this would likely be another measure to reduce the missile’s radar cross-section and making it more survivable, and thus battlefield relevant. It’s also possible that this is a long-range Israeli cruise missile that has not been identified, although this seems less likely. Still, Israel does have the Popeye Turbo cruise missile that is nuclear-armed and used as a second strike deterrent aboard its diesel electric submarines. It is possible that this is a conventional version of that weapon.
