flying drone on cruise ship

Are drones allowed on cruise ships?

Drones — small remote-controlled flying devices, many of which are equipped with cameras — have become one of the best ways to snag aerial photos of some of the world's most picturesque destinations, as well as footage of cruise ships. With that in mind, many travelers are naturally curious about whether they can take drones on a cruise and if they can fly a drone while on a cruise ship.

At the time of publication, only three of the industry's eight major cruise lines permit passengers to bring drones on board.

Even in cases where drones are allowed, cruisers cannot fly them from the ship. They are for use in port only, and cruisers are responsible for adhering to any local regulations, including rules about how far drones must stay from buildings, vessels and restricted areas, such as airports. In some instances, the location may require a permit to use the drone. Passengers who don't follow any of these regulations risk incurring fines or having their drones confiscated by their cruise line or local authorities.

Here's a rundown of cruise line drone policies.

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Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line's drone policy allows cruisers to bring drones for port use only. The aircraft must be stored with the chief security officer and checked out and back in by the owner when going ashore and returning to the ship.

Celebrity Cruises

On Celebrity ships, drones are permitted for use ashore only, and they must be operated outside of the port area. When on the ship, they are to be stored in passenger cabins. Anyone caught using a drone on board will receive a guest conduct warning and could risk temporary drone confiscation, as well as early disembarkation.

Disney Cruise Line

Passengers on Disney Cruise Line are not allowed to bring drones on board.

Holland America Line

Drones and other remote-controlled aerial devices aren't permitted on any of Holland America 's ships.

MSC Cruises

MSC includes drones on its list of banned items that cannot be brought on board.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian includes "any remote-controlled or autonomously flying devices, toys or drones" on its prohibited items list.

Princess Cruises

"Drones ... and any other remote-controlled aerial devices/toys" aren't allowed on Princess cruises.

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean 's cruise drone policy is identical to Celebrity's: Drones are permitted for use only on land, outside of the port area. When on the ship, they are to be stored in passenger cabins. Anyone caught using a drone on board could receive a guest conduct warning or be debarked early from the voyage.

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Bringing a Drone on a Cruise Ship

Before you click on this article and feel the need to flame me in the comment section, this article is published with purpose. Visit any discussion forum or Facebook group about cruising, and you’ll often see people ask if you can bring a drone on a cruise ship. Of course, that fires everyone up with endless opinions and misinformation.

It possible to bring a drone on a cruise ship?

The answer isn’t straightforward, as cruise lines’ policies vary greatly.

Many cruise lines have an explicit ban on carrying a drone onboard, while some allow carrying a drone with several restrictions.

In this article, we’ve listed the drone policies of popular cruise lines, whether they allow carrying a drone, and with what limitations.

Why do people carry a drone on a cruise ship?

For the anti-drone people, it’s important to realize that there are legitimate reasons that someone would be carrying a drone on a ship including cruise line-sponsored marketing videos and events.

Here are a few reasons why some people might want to take a drone on a cruise:

• A drone hobbyist can explore areas like remote beaches, high hills, unique landscapes, and other places where it’s tricky to set foot in.
• Drones can help capture weddings, parties, and live events on the cruise ship (or onshore), albeit with prior permission from the cruise line.
• Marketing professionals for travel companies often use cruises to visit as many places in a short time as possible for the creation of videos for specific projects. Many of these folks will use a drone for their work.
• For travel vloggers and content creators, drone imagery can help their content stand out among a sea of similar-looking photos and videos of the same cruise port or cruise destination by other influencers.

Which Cruise Lines Allow Passengers to Bring a Drone Onboard?

Most cruise lines do not allow carrying a drone onboard. However, a few allow you to carry one with certain restrictions.

Here’s a list of the few cruise lines that allow carrying a drone onboard, along with their restrictions.

Carnival Cruise Line Drone Rules

Carnival Cruise allows passengers to bring certain items onboard, including drones that they can only use off the ship. On its official website, the cruise line states that drones are allowed, but they must be handed over to the Chief Security Officer during check-in. However, you can pick up the drone for port use only.

Royal Caribbean Drone Policy

You can carry a drone on a Royal Caribbean cruise, which you must store safely in the stateroom. You cannot use the drone onboard or in Royal Caribbean’s private destinations like Perfect Day at Cococay, Haiti, and the Bahamas. You can only use the drone on land and outside the port area.

Celebrity Cruises Drone Regulations

Similar to Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises has the same drone policy. You’re allowed to carry your drone on the cruise ship but not allowed to use it onboard under any circumstances. If found operating a drone on the cruise ship, the crew will confiscate it and return it only at the end of the trip. (If you’re lucky)

Cruise lines that prohibit drones (for the most part)

While these cruise lines specifically state in their policies rules against drones being brought on a ship, there may be a legitimate reason why the company will allow a drone to be placed with security and checked out at the port. It’s always worth asking!

Are drones allowed on Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)?

No, as per the cruise line’s prohibited list of items, drones or game-flying devices are not allowed onboard for the safety of other guests and the welfare of the vessel.

Can you Carry a Drone on a Disney Cruise?

Disney Cruise has a strict policy against drones and other electrical devices. If the crew finds a drone in your luggage during the security screening process, they will confiscate it. It could also result in a delay in the transfer of your luggage to your stateroom.

Can you bring a drone on Holland America Cruise?

According to Holland America Line’s list of prohibited items, passengers cannot bring drones or other remote-controlled aerial devices/toys onto the ship.

However, the cruise line also states that it can make exceptions for company-sponsored events, provided the fleet security gives prior approval.

According to a user on this forum , he emailed the cruise line about carrying a drone onboard. 

The company replied that it would reach out to ship security to make an exception for bringing the drone onto the ship. So it’s possible with proper authorization.

Are drones allowed on MSC Cruises?

No, MSC Cruises doesn’t allow carrying a drone on its cruise ship.

However, some users who’ve contacted MSC Cruises disclosed that if you bring a drone onboard, you must hand it over to the crew and pick it up while departing the ship.

Can you bring a drone on Virgin Voyages?

Virgin Voyages explicitly states that drones aren’t allowed on their Lady Ships.

On its list of prohibited items, the cruise line specifically mentions that it will confiscate the drones before the cruise ship sets sail. The crew will only return the drones on the home port’s arrival.

BUT – We’ve spoken with people who have boarded with drones after speaking with security staff allowing them to disembark at ports and collect the drone for use outside of the port area .

Are drones allowed on Princess Cruises?

Drones are prohibited on Princess Cruises. The cruise line states that Remotely Piloted Aerial Vehicles (RPA), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), and other remote-controlled aerial toys are restricted on the cruise ship.

However, it can make exceptions if you get it approved in advance by Fleet Security for company-sponsored events.

Can you bring a drone on the luxury cruise lines like Regent, Oceania, and Silversea?

Regent, Oceania, and Silversea cruises do not allow carrying a drone onboard. 

Silversea Cruise Line states that due to varied port authority laws, passenger safety, and ship security, it prohibits onboarding all types of aerial drones.

3 Things to Consider before bringing a drone on a cruise ship

Cruise line policy.

Depending on the cruise line policies, several cruise lines completely ban carrying a drone onboard. Other cruise lines require you to check in the drone with the security staff, while only a few allow it onboard stored in the cabin.

These policies can change anytime, and you should keep yourself updated by visiting the cruise line’s official website or contacting them through email or call.

Port & country regulations

While some cruise lines allow you to carry your drone onboard, it doesn’t mean you can fly it freely anywhere, or even anywhere near the port.

Individual ports and countries visited by your cruise will have their own policies on drone flying. There are no-fly zones in many ports and some countries due to close proximity with airports or military bases.

Drones are classified according to their weight. Hence, larger and heavier drones have more flying restrictions than smaller ones. Most commonly, drones under 250 grams have the least restrictions and will be more likely to be allowed. 

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How to check no-fly zones for your drone?

You can check a country or its port’s official website for no-fly zones. There are a few websites that have organized country (and US State) specific rules/laws including UAV Coach here.

Additionally, several apps like OpenSky & B4UFLY, and more provide visual information about no-fly zones.

Cruise Gear Editor

I'm a global nomad at heart, and the dedicated editor behind CruiseGear. For the past two decades, I've experienced exciting voyages across the world, discovering countless ports from the decks of dozens of ships, visiting 40+ countries (and living in some of them for years). It's been an exhilarating journey to say the least! I want to share everything I've learned and hope to make your next cruise vacation as enjoyable as possible.

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One Comment

Thanks a lot for the info and awareness! We’ve contacted MSC and hope for an exception. But anyway, better to know it in advance and handle accordingly than to have no air pictures..and no drone!

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Can You Bring a Drone on a Cruise? (Read This First)

By: Author Elizabeth Ciobanu

Posted on September 24, 2021

Cruises are the best. They provide superb value for your money as you get to see so many amazing places within a short period. If you own a drone and have gone or are planning to go on a cruise, you may be considering bringing your flying machine to take some stunning aerial photographs and videos. But before you pack your drone, it’s worth doing a little research to find out whether you can bring drones on a cruise or not. 

Some cruise lines such as  Royal Caribbean Cruise, Carnival Cruise, and Celebrity Cruise are the few cruise lines that allow passengers to bring drones aboard, but they have rules about what type of drones are allowed. Almost all other cruise lines prohibit passengers from bringing a drone aboard.

As you can see, there aren’t many cruise lines out there that allow passengers to bring drones aboard. Even Carnival, which permits drones, insists that only camera drones are allowed and both Carnival and Caribbean cruise lines explicitly forbid the operation of drones while on the cruise. 

Bringing a drone on a cruise

While both the Royal and Carnival cruise lines may allow you to bring drones onboard, they have policies against using drones while on the cruise. The reason for this is for the safety and privacy of other people onboard. Drone accidents are not uncommon and other people onboard may not take kindly to appearing in your photos or videos. 

So while you can take a drone aboard these two cruise lines, your drone is to remain in your cabin at all times until you dock. The policy against the operation of drones doesn’t end at the docks either, as you have to be away from the port before you can use your drone. So in a nutshell, you can only transport your drone on the Caribbean Cruise and Carnival Cruise and use your drone on land away from the ports. 

If you are on the Royal Caribbean cruise ( link ), you are also not allowed to use drones at their private destinations which include CocoCay, in the Bahamas, or Labadee, Haiti. If you are caught operating a drone onboard, your drone will be confiscated and returned to you at the end of the cruise. However, you’ll be warned and reminded of the Cruise’s policy and may even be subjected to disembarkment. 

When you reach your destination and are away from the ports, you are allowed to use your drones assuming full responsibility for understanding all drone rules and regulations in the area.

Are drones allowed on a Disney Cruise?

You can’t take a drone on a Disney cruise ( link ) for safety reasons. Yes, drones are not permitted and listed with serious prohibited items like firearms on Disney cruise lines. Their use is prohibited for the safety of everyone on board. 

Remember that Disney Cruises are mostly patronized by families, young families to be precise, and children are bound to be on board. So if you are traveling on a Disney Cruise line, leave your drone at home. Don’t even bother to bring it on board – and we don’t think this rule is going to change anytime soon.

Can you bring a drone on Celebrity cruises?

Celebrity Cruise has a drone policy that’s similar to that of the Royal Caribbean. They do allow you to bring a drone on board but you aren’t allowed to fly the drone until you are on land away from the port. Your drone must be kept in your room at all times while on the ship.

Can you bring a drone on a Princess cruise?

Drones are among the list of prohibited items on Princess Cruises. According to their policy, drones are prohibited on all Princess cruises at all times. This policy includes any flying device or toy. As long as an item is capable of flying, you can’t bring it on Princess cruises. 

The cruise line didn’t explain the reasoning behind banning drones on their website, but we suspect it’s mainly for security/safety reasons. 

Another cruise line with a very similar policy to that of Princess’ is the Norwegian Cruise Line which explicitly forbids any autonomous or remote-controlled aircraft of which drones are among . The reason for this is for safety purposes although it’s possible this policy may be revised as drones become even more popular. 

Things to consider before taking your drone on a cruise

Since not all cruise lines allow passengers to bring drones aboard, it’s in your interest to do your research about drone policies before getting on a cruise. And it’s not just a matter of finding out the drone policy of the cruise lines you’ll be on. Each country has its own specific laws on drones. So before going on your next cruise trip, find out about the following:

• What are the drone policies of the cruise line you are traveling with? This isn’t difficult to find out as most cruise lines have a website where you can find out about items you can or can’t bring onboard.
• Find out about any drone laws in the ports your cruise will be stopping at. Being able to bring a drone on a cruise doesn’t mean you’ll be able to use a said drone on an island or country along the route of your cruise line. We are sure you don’t want any legal issues in a foreign country caused by flying your drone illegally. 

Why do most cruise lines have policies against drones?

The main reason drones aren’t allowed on most cruise lines is for safety. The cruise line isn’t keen on having any drone-related accidents onboard that might cause injury to their passengers. Cruises have a high density of people for the given area, which means not a lot of open space to fly a drone safely. After all, a basic drone safety rule is to never fly over crowds. 

Privacy is another matter and since most drones are fitted with cameras, the idea is to maintain the privacy of everyone onboard. Other passengers onboard the cruise don’t want to end up featured on your video to appear who-knows-where.

Even when drones are allowed on a cruise line, it’s just for transportation since you are strictly forbidden from using drones onboard. There’s also the possibility that drones may interfere with the proper functioning of some instruments aboard and cruise lines want to avoid this by ensuring drones are not used on the cruise. 

Which ports are drone friendly, and what are the laws?

Remember we suggested that you research drone laws in any ports your cruise will be stopping by? The reason for this is because not all ports are drone-friendly as drone laws will be different in different countries and at different ports. 

Even if you are allowed to bring your drone onboard, be sure to find out about the drone laws in any port before bringing your drone out to fly. Your cruise line will not take any responsibility for your action and it’s assumed that you know the drone laws in any port you are in before flying your drone. 

There are a number of drone-friendly ports around the world such as Aruba , Cozumel in Mexico, Roatan in Honduras, and so on. Cruises to Alaska may have some drone-friendly destinations, just keep in mind that you can’t fly a drone in a National Park. For European cruises, it will vary by country and city whether you can fly a drone , but most European cities do not allow drones, although you may be able to fly out in the countryside. 

While you have the green light to fly drones in these areas, you still have to follow general drone laws such as not flying over large crowds, not exceeding 400 ft from the ground, having your drone in your line of sight at all times, not flying at night, and so on. 

What is the penalty for flying a drone in an unauthorized port or cruise line?

There are consequences to our actions and this applies to flying a drone unauthorized on a cruise line or port. For cruise lines that don’t allow drones on board, you are not supposed to be in possession of a drone in the first place. If you are found with a drone in your possession, it will be confiscated and may not be returned to you. 

Even cruise lines that allow drones onboard will still confiscate any drone in use since there are regulations against the operation of drones on the cruise. Depending on their policies, your drone may be returned to you at the end of the trip with a stern warning never to fly a drone on their cruise again. You may also be subjected to disembarkation at your own expense for onboard drone usage.

In the case of using a drone in a restricted port, your drone will be confiscated by local authorities and chances are that you won’t get it back. You may also face fines and civil penalties. 

So if the ports your cruise will be stopping by aren’t drone-friendly, then bringing a drone on your trip will be unnecessary baggage since you can’t fly it on your cruise or at the ports. And any attempt to illegally use your drone may land you in legal trouble or at the very least, the confiscation of your drone.

What is the best drone to bring on a cruise?

If your cruise line allows you to bring a drone onboard and your cruise will be stopping by some drone-friendly ports, you can start thinking about packing your drone. We’ve been asked about the type of drone to bring on a cruise and our response is always to bring compact and light drones like the DJI Mini 2 or Mavic Air 2. 

The benefit of bringing a lightweight, compact drone is that they are easier to transport. For one thing, they’ll fit into your luggage without any problem. You can also pack your drone in a special drone case or bag. If you have a DJI drone, there are several bags and cases available at the DJI online store. Check if your drone manufacturer has specially designed cases or bags for travel.

Can You Bring Drones On Cruise Ships? (The Ultimate Guide)

Can You Bring Drones On Cruise Ships?

Cruises are a popular way to travel, offering a chance to relax and explore new destinations. But what about drones? Can you bring them on a cruise ship?

The answer is: it depends.

Some cruise lines allow drones, while others do not. And even if a cruise line does allow drones, there may be restrictions on where you can fly them and how high you can fly them.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the rules and regulations surrounding drones on cruise ships. We’ll also provide some tips for flying drones safely and responsibly while on a cruise.

So if you’re thinking of bringing your drone on your next cruise, read on for everything you need to know.

What are the cruise line policies on drones?

Cruise line policies on drones vary, but most do not allow drones on board. Some cruise lines have a blanket ban on drones, while others allow drones only in certain areas or under certain conditions.

Here is a list of some of the cruise line policies on drones:

• Carnival Cruise Line: Drones are not allowed on any Carnival cruise ship.
• Royal Caribbean International: Drones are not allowed on any Royal Caribbean cruise ship.
• Norwegian Cruise Line: Drones are not allowed on any Norwegian cruise ship.
• MSC Cruises: Drones are not allowed on any MSC cruise ship.
• Disney Cruise Line: Drones are not allowed on any Disney cruise ship.

However, there are a few exceptions to these policies. Some cruise lines allow drones in certain areas, such as on the pool deck or in the designated drone flying zone. Others allow drones only if they are registered with the cruise line and if the pilot has a valid drone pilot’s license.

If you are planning to bring a drone on a cruise ship, it is important to check the cruise line’s policy before you go. You can find the cruise line’s policy on drones on their website or by calling customer service.

What are the FAA regulations on drones?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has strict regulations on drones. These regulations are designed to keep drones safe and to prevent them from interfering with other aircraft.

Here are some of the FAA regulations on drones:

• Drones must be registered with the FAA.
• Drones must be flown within sight of the operator.
• Drones must not fly above 400 feet.
• Drones must not fly near airports or other restricted areas.
• Drones must not be flown in a careless or reckless manner.

If you are flying a drone, you must follow all of the FAA regulations. You can find more information about the FAA regulations on drones on the FAA website.

Cruise line policies on drones vary, but most do not allow drones on board. However, there are a few exceptions to these policies. Some cruise lines allow drones in certain areas, such as on the pool deck or in the designated drone flying zone. Others allow drones only if they are registered with the cruise line and if the pilot has a valid drone pilot’s license.

You must also follow all of the FAA regulations on drones. You can find more information about the FAA regulations on drones on the FAA website.

What are the safety concerns about drones on cruise ships?

Drones are becoming increasingly popular, but there are still some safety concerns about using them on cruise ships. Here are some of the potential risks:

• Drones can collide with other aircraft. Cruise ships often travel in busy shipping lanes, and there is a risk that a drone could collide with another aircraft, such as a plane or helicopter. This could cause serious damage to the aircraft and could even result in fatalities.
• Drones can crash into the ship. A drone that loses control or malfunctions could crash into the ship, which could damage the ship or injure passengers.
• Drones can be used for spying. A drone could be used to spy on passengers or crew members, which could compromise their privacy.
• Drones can be used to deliver contraband. A drone could be used to deliver drugs, weapons, or other illegal items onto the ship, which could pose a security risk.

These are just some of the potential safety concerns about drones on cruise ships. It is important to weigh these risks carefully before deciding whether or not to allow drones on board.

What are the possible benefits of drones on cruise ships?

Drones can also offer a number of benefits for cruise ships, including:

• Drones can be used for surveillance. Drones can be used to monitor the ship’s surroundings, which can help to improve security. They can also be used to monitor the weather and sea conditions, which can help to ensure the safety of the ship and its passengers.
• Drones can be used for photography and videography. Drones can be used to take aerial photographs and videos of the ship and its surroundings, which can be used for marketing purposes or to create souvenirs for passengers.
• Drones can be used for delivery. Drones can be used to deliver supplies to the ship, such as food, mail, or medical supplies. This can help to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

These are just some of the possible benefits of drones on cruise ships. It is important to weigh these benefits carefully against the potential risks before deciding whether or not to allow drones on board.

The decision of whether or not to allow drones on cruise ships is a complex one. There are both safety concerns and potential benefits to consider. Ultimately, the decision will depend on the individual cruise line and its specific circumstances.

Can I bring my drone on a cruise ship?

Answer: It depends on the cruise line. Some cruise lines allow drones, while others do not. It is important to check with the cruise line before you book your trip.

What are the rules for drones on cruise ships?

Answer: The rules for drones on cruise ships vary from line to line. Some common rules include:

• Drones must be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
• Drones must be kept in a locked case when not in use.
• Drones must not be flown within 5 miles of an airport.
• Drones must not be flown over people or property.

What are the risks of flying a drone on a cruise ship?

Answer: There are a number of risks associated with flying a drone on a cruise ship, including:

• Drones can crash into other ships or objects, causing damage or injury.
• Drones can interfere with the operation of the cruise ship’s radar and other systems.
• Drones can be used to spy on other passengers or crew members.

Is it worth bringing a drone on a cruise ship?

Answer: Whether or not it is worth bringing a drone on a cruise ship depends on your individual needs and interests. If you are interested in taking aerial photos or videos of your cruise, then a drone can be a valuable tool. However, it is important to be aware of the risks and regulations associated with flying a drone on a cruise ship.

the rules and regulations regarding drones on cruise ships vary depending on the cruise line. It is important to do your research before you travel to make sure you are aware of the specific policies. In general, drones are not allowed on cruise ships, but there are some exceptions. If you are allowed to bring your drone on board, you must follow all of the safety regulations. Drones can be a great way to capture amazing photos and videos of your cruise, but it is important to use them responsibly.

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Are Drones Allowed on Cruise Ships?

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Cruises offer great and memorable experiences. Sometimes, you might want to capture the activities within or around the cruise. So, taking your drone with you sounds like a great idea. But are drones allowed on cruise ships?

Though some cruise ships allow having drones aboard, there may be restrictions on the types of drones allowed. Some of the few cruises that permit passengers to have drones aboard are Celebrity Cruise, Royal Caribbean Cruise, and Carnival Cruise. Nevertheless, the operation of drones on cruises is still restricted, even on these cruise ships. 

Therefore, you must read this article to the end to know what lines to draw when you board a cruise line to avoid getting on the wrong side of the law. 

Let’s get started.

Table of contents

Are drones allowed on cruise ships royal caribbean, can i bring a drone to a cruise carnival, are drones allowed on disney cruise, can i bring my drone on a norwegian cruise, can i bring a drone on a celebrity cruise, can you bring a drone on a princess cruise, what should you consider before taking your drone on a cruise, what are the consequences of being in possession of a drone or flying it in restricted cruises and ports, which cruise lines and ports allow drones, why do most cruise lines prohibit the possession or use of drones.

Though cruise lines such as Carnival and Royal may allow you to have your drone onboard, you cannot use it. Why? This is to ensure that the privacy and safety of other passengers aren’t violated. 

In addition, drone accidents can happen anywhere, including on cruises. This could highly inconvenience other passengers onboard. 

So, you can only carry the drone with you but not use it on cruises or the dock. Drone use is only permitted outside the port.

Drones are allowed on cruise ships Royal Caribbean. However, you cannot use your drone onboard as you violate everyone’s privacy and safety. 

Drones operated onboard are confiscated until you get to your destination. If caught using a drone, the Royal Caribbean may issue a Guest policy warning and subject you to a disembarked at your own cost!

In addition, you shouldn’t use your drone on their destinations: Labadee in Haiti, Perfect Day at CoCo Cay, or the Bahamas. 

So, you should know and understand all the policies regarding drone use on cruises. Aside from that, familiarize yourself with all the rules regarding drone use in the country you’re visiting. Also, have the necessary drone operation licenses. 

Royal Caribbean won’t be liable if you fly your drone and cause damage, injuries, or accidents within the restricted areas, for example, onboard or in the destinations. You’ll take full responsibility even when the local authorities confiscate your drone.  

Therefore, safely store your drone in your bag when aboard the Royal Caribbean cruise lines.

Yes, you can bring a drone onboard cruise Carnival. Nevertheless, you can only operate it off the ship. While aboard the Carnival cruise, your drone should be stored in the custody of the Chief Security Officer in the Guest’s stateroom. 

Also, to use the drone in and out of the port, you should check in and out with the cruise officers.  

Breaching the Carnival Cruise drone use laws could lead to confiscation of the drone. Moreover, if you breach the laws and fly the drone and cause accidents, injuries, or damage anything, you’ll take full responsibility. 

No, Disney Cruise doesn’t allow guests to bring drones onboard.

Disney Cruise customers are often young families. So, children are often on board. Hence, the ‘no drone’ rule is meant to protect the privacy and safety of the guests, especially the children. 

So, if Disney Cruise security officers find a drone in your baggage during screening sessions, they’ll confiscate it. Consequently, there’ll be a delay in the delivery of your luggage. 

So, to stay safe, leave the done at home.

No, you can’t bring a drone on a Norwegian cruise due to the privacy and safety of those onboard. 

So, when boarding this cruise, leave your autonomous or remotely controlled aircraft at home. Otherwise, you might get into serious trouble with the local authorities if caught with one. 

Yes, you can bring a drone on a celebrity cruise, but never should you fly it onboard. Therefore, while on the celebrity cruise, please ensure your drone is stored safely in your room. 

You should always wait until you’re on the land if the rules governing that area permit you to fly it. 

The Princess Cruise doesn’t allow guests to have or use any flying object, including toys. Hence, you cannot have a drone aboard a Princess Cruise. 

Though there are no details as to why the cruise restricts having drones aboard, they likely want to ensure all passengers are safe, and their privacy is fully safeguarded. 

Before including your drone in the list of the items you’ll carry with you on the cruise, do in-depth research to know if the cruise you intend to board allows drones. 

And if the drones are allowed, can you fly them onboard? This information would save you a lot of trouble with the cruise and local authorities.

Here are two key things to know in advance:

Drone Laws at the Port: While some cruises may allow having drones aboard, some ports might not allow you to fly them. Each country is governed by its set laws, and some may forbid using drones at the ports. Being arrested in a foreign land can be scary and may cost you a leg and an arm! 

Cruise Drone Policies: Check the cruise website to know what items are allowed and which are forbidden. If drones are allowed, check if there are restrictions on models.  

If you’re caught with a drone aboard a cruise that restricts having it, your drone may be confiscated by the authorities.

Some cruise authorities might give you a stant warning but still confiscate it until you reach your destination. Sometimes, you might not even have your drone back!

Based on the cruise’s policies, you might as well be subject to disembarkation, which might cost you more than you had planned. In other cases, you might be subject to civil penalties or fines. 

The same consequences apply to flying drones in restricted cruises and ports. So, be sure not to attempt to go against the given laws.

Cruises allowing drones aboard include Celebrity, Caribbean, and Carnival cruises. 

As discussed above, these cruises don’t allow you to fly drones aboard. 

Some of the ports that are drone-friendly in the world include:

• Key West, Florida
• Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
• Ocho Rios, Jamaica
• San Juan, Puerto Rico
• Roatan in Honduras
• Cozumel, Mexico

Though some ports may allow the use of drones, always adhere to the FAA laws; for instance, don’t fly your drone above 400 feet, don’t fly your drone over crowded areas, and always keep the drone in line of sight.

Cruises have a high number of people aboard, both young and old. Hence, besides a lack of enough space to fly your drone, the FAA does not permit flying drones in crowded places. 

This is because if anything goes wrong, and you lose control of the drone, it’s likely that you’ll injure someone and cause damage or accidents. So, the cruises aim at safeguarding its passengers’ safety and privacy.

In addition, your drone could fly away and fall into the water. The cruise owners cannot be responsible for your loss. 

Also, the presence of some drones aboard cruises could interfere with the normal functioning of some cruise’s electronics, thereby endangering the lives of everyone aboard. To ensure that passengers’ lives aren’t endangered, some cruises restrict the possession of drones aboard a cruise. 

Drones may be allowed on some cruise ships, but not all.

Celebrity Cruise, Royal Caribbean Cruise, and Carnival Cruise are some cruises that allow you to have a drone aboard. Even so, you cannot fly the drone aboard. 

If caught flying one, your drone could be confiscated and only returned to you upon getting to your destination. In some cases, you might never get the drone back.

Still, you might be fined or subjected to civil penalties based on your drone use. It’s not worth the risk; leaving your drone home is safer. 

If, however, you’re sure that the cruise allows having the drone aboard as long as you don’t use it, please check if the port and country you’ll be visiting allow you to have the drone or to use it.  

If they don’t allow it, simply avoid having the drone.

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Can You Bring a Drone on a Cruise Ship?

If you’re a drone pilot, especially someone who likes taking breathtaking footage and pictures with their drones, you simply can’t get on a cruise before packing your drone with you.

The sheer amount of views that you pass by on a cruise ship can make any photography enthusiast’s mouth water…

But, can you actually bring your drone on a cruise ship, at least legally?

Only a select few cruise lines allow drones onboard. Royal caribbean, celebrity cruise and carnival cruise are the most notable ones. These cruises however have their own rules regulating the use of drones, and prohibit certain models of drones.

In this article we’ll go over these special rules, and what they mean for you as a drone pilot.

Can you fly your drone from a cruise ship?

Like I said, while cruises like Carnival and Caribbean cruise do allow drones on board, flying them is a whole different matter.

Even in cruises that allow drones, flying them on board is usually strictly prohibited and can get your drone confiscated until the end of the cruise. The reason for that is to maintain the safety of those on board and protect their privacy.

Put simply, as long as you’re on the ship, your drone mustn’t leave your bag. Even after you land, you must be away from the port before taking your drone for a flight. I also don’t need to mention it, but whenever you land, make sure you’re familiar with the regulations regarding drone use in that country.

In some cases like Carribean cruises, you also can’t fly your drone in their private destinations (Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas or Labadee®).

In their words: “While onboard, drones must be stored safely in the stateroom. Drones used on the ship will be confiscated until the end of the cruise. A Guest Conduct Policy warning will be issued and guests may be subject to disembarkation at their own expense for onboard drone usage.”

I’ll leave their official FAQ page here if you want to learn more.

Drones on Celebrity cruise

Celebrity cruise is pretty similar to Caribbean & Celebrity cruise. They’ll allow you to bring a drone on board but prohibit you from flying until you’re on land and away from the port. Likewise for the other cruises, your drone must be kept in your bag and in your room at all times, otherwise it’ll be confiscated (and who wants that!).

Are drones allowed on Disney cruises?

One of the most famous cruises in the world and also the most fun are the Disney cruises. Sadly though, drone’s are strictly prohibited. You can check this official list of prohibited items on Disney cruises.

Yeah… they actually put drones in the same list as firearms and knives. Shows you how serious they take this drone ban. 

Are drones allowed on Princess cruises?

This is another famous cruise where drones are strictly prohibited. Not just big drones, but any “toy” that can be remotely controlled and can fly is prohibited.

So you can sneak a toy drone in. While they haven’t released a reason for the ban, it’s probably because of safety and privacy reasons.

What to consider before bringing your drone on a cruise?

So you’ve made sure that the cruise you're traveling in allows you to have drones on board. There is still the matter of their specific drone regulations on board, as well as the drone regulations of the country you’ll land in.

Next time you’re taking your drone on a cruise, consider the following:

• The specific drone policies of the cruise line you’re traveling in: Most cruise lines will have a website where they state what you can or cannot do with your drone. If you find that they don’t, simply give them a phone call and inquire about their drone rules.
• The drones laws in the port you’ll land at, and the country in general: Just because you can bring your drone along doesn’t mean you can fly it wherever you land. Make sure you inquire about the countries you’ll be landing in and look up their drone regulations.

Why does the majority of cruise lines ban drones?

Drones and vast ocean spaces mash really well. We’ve all dreamt of taking a drone pic of ourselves and friends on a cruise… so why do most cruise ships seem to be against them?

For starters, there are privacy concerns that the cruise company needs to be wary of. No company wants to deal with lawsuits from clients simply because some drone pilot decided to film them onboard. 

There is also the matter of safety. Just because drones are small doesn’t mean they’re harmless, especially if they don’t have propeller guards. I’ve seen first hand the harm an active drone can do if it collides with a person… it’s not pretty.

All this considered, we can sort of understand why cruise lines will only allow the transportation of drones. IF they allow them at all onboard.

What’s the penalty for flying a drone in an unauthorized port or cruise line?

Let’s say you couldn’t resist the itch of filming the sun setting over the horizon, with the blue ocean on all sides… aaand you got caught. What now?

If you’re caught, your drone will most definitely be confiscated by the ship’s security. In some cases it may be returned to you, while in others it may not. To know how severe a ship’s security is it’s best to check their website first before deciding to bring your drone with you.

If you’ve landed and used your drone in a resurrected port, it’ll be confiscated by local authorities and chances are that you won’t get it back. You’ll also face fines and other penalties, depending on the drone regulations in place.

Can you fly a drone over the ocean?

“Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.” – a timeless quote from Jurassic PArk and one that it's perfectly here.

Let’s say the cruise captain gives you permission to fly your drone over the ocean. Should you?

You can fly your drone over the ocean with certain safety measures such as weather checks and ensuring that your drone stays away from obstacles. Strong winds and massive objects like ships and lighthouses often cause navigation problems and make your flight difficult. 

The wind in the ocean is heavy and can easily cause your drone to crash in the water, never to be seen again. There is also the matter of the drone’s transmission and signal to worry about. A ship is mostly made of metal after all.

It’s a known fact that nothing messes with a drone signal more than metal…

If you do decide to fly anyways, be prepared for the risk of never seeing your drone again. Birds are also something you need to watch out for as seagulls have been known to react aggressively to drones

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• Exploring MSC Cruises Drone Policy: Guidelines and Restrictions

Drone photography and videography have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a unique perspective and capturing stunning aerial shots. However, when it comes to cruising with MSC Cruises, there are specific guidelines and restrictions that passengers must adhere to when using drones onboard their ships. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the MSC Cruises drone policy, providing you with all the essential information you need to know before taking to the skies.

To ensure the safety and privacy of guests and crew, MSC Cruises has implemented a set of rules and regulations regarding the use of drones onboard their ships. It is essential for passengers to familiarize themselves with these guidelines to avoid any potential issues during their cruise.

Here are the key points to know about MSC Cruises drone policy:

It is crucial to note that the drone policy may vary depending on the specific ship and itinerary. Therefore, it is advisable to consult the official MSC Cruises website or contact their customer service for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

While drones can enhance your cruising experience by capturing breathtaking moments from above, it is essential to abide by the guidelines and restrictions set by MSC Cruises. By doing so, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable journey for yourself and fellow passengers.

For more information and details on MSC Cruises drone policy, please refer to the official MSC Cruises website [1]. Additionally, you can find comprehensive guidelines on drone flying in general by visiting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) website [2].

[1]: https://www.msccruises.com/ [2]: https://www.faa.

Can I take my drone on a cruise MSC?

MSC Cruises has a comprehensive drone policy in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all passengers on board. According to their guidelines and restrictions, guests are allowed to bring their drones on the cruise, but there are certain rules that must be followed. The drone must be registered with the ship’s security team upon embarkation, and it can only be used in designated areas on the ship, away from crowded areas and public spaces. Additionally, drones cannot be flown on port days or during any ship activities. It is crucial to familiarize yourself with these guidelines and adhere to them to avoid any inconvenience during your cruise. For more detailed information, please refer to MSC Cruises’ official website: https://www.msccruises.com/en-gl/Discover-MSC/Cruise-Preparation/Before-You-Leave/Packing-Your-Bags.

How close can you fly a drone to a cruise ship?

According to MSC Cruises’ drone policy, flying a drone close to a cruise ship is strictly prohibited for safety reasons. To ensure the safety of all passengers and crew members, drones must maintain a distance of at least 50 meters (164 feet) from the ship at all times. This guideline aims to prevent any potential accidents or disruptions caused by drones. It is essential to adhere to these restrictions to ensure a pleasant and secure cruising experience for everyone on board. For more information on MSC Cruises’ drone policy and guidelines, please refer to their official website at [insert reliable source here].

What are the rules for travelling with drone?

When it comes to traveling with a drone on MSC Cruises, it’s important to be aware of the guidelines and restrictions in order to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. MSC Cruises has implemented a comprehensive drone policy that outlines the rules to follow. Firstly, drones are allowed to be brought on board but can only be used for personal, non-commercial purposes. Additionally, passengers must obtain permission from the ship’s security team before operating a drone, as well as adhere to local laws and regulations at each port of call. It is important to note that flying drones is prohibited while the ship is in motion or near the ship’s helipad. By following these rules, passengers can capture breathtaking aerial footage while respecting the safety and privacy of fellow guests. For more detailed information, visit [MSC Cruises Drone Policy](https://www.msccruises.com/en-gl/Useful-Information/General-Information/Drones.aspx).

Can I fly a drone at CocoCay?

According to MSC Cruises’ drone policy guidelines and restrictions, flying drones at CocoCay is not permitted. The cruise line has implemented this policy to ensure the safety and privacy of all guests and to comply with local regulations. While CocoCay offers stunning scenery and picturesque views, drones are not allowed to be operated on the island. It is important for drone enthusiasts to be aware of these restrictions and adhere to them to avoid any potential penalties or disruptions during their cruise vacation. For more information on MSC Cruises’ drone policy, please visit their official website: https://www.msccruises.com/en-gl/Useful-Info/Planning/Before-Departure/On-Board-Experience/Drones.

Msc cruise drone policy

MSC Cruises has a clear and concise drone policy in place to ensure the safety and security of its guests and crew members. According to the guidelines and restrictions, drones are strictly prohibited from being operated onboard any MSC cruise ship. This policy is in line with international regulations and aims to prevent any potential accidents or disruptions. Additionally, guests are not allowed to fly drones while the ship is docked or anchored. It is important for passengers to respect these guidelines and restrictions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable cruise experience. For more detailed information, please refer to MSC Cruises’ official website: https://www.msccruises.com/en-gl/Manage-Your-Booking/Before-Your-Cruise/Before-Your-Cruise.

In conclusion, understanding MSC Cruises’ drone policy is essential for anyone planning to bring a drone on board their cruise vacation. The guidelines and restrictions set by the cruise line ensure the safety and enjoyment of all passengers, as well as compliance with international aviation regulations.

MSC Cruises has a clear and concise policy in place, which prohibits the use of drones on their ships without prior authorization. This policy applies to both recreational and commercial drone use. By implementing this policy, MSC Cruises aims to prevent any potential risks or disruptions that drones may pose to the safety and privacy of passengers and crew members.

To obtain authorization for drone usage on an MSC cruise, passengers must follow a specific process. First, they need to contact the cruise line’s Guest Relations department well in advance of their sailing date. This allows MSC Cruises to evaluate each request individually and make a decision based on various factors, including the itinerary, local regulations, and the safety of the operation.

It is important for passengers to note that even if they receive authorization to bring a drone on board, there are still certain restrictions in place. These restrictions include limitations on when and where drones can be flown, as well as the need to obtain additional permits or permissions from local authorities in specific ports of call.

Passengers should also familiarize themselves with the general guidelines for drone usage, regardless of whether they require authorization or not. These guidelines include flying the drone within visual line of sight, avoiding crowded areas, respecting privacy and personal space, and adhering to local regulations and airspace restrictions.

To stay informed about the latest updates and regulations regarding drone usage on MSC Cruises, it is advisable to regularly check the official MSC Cruises website. The website provides up-to-date information on the drone policy, guidelines, and any changes that may occur.

For further information and resources on drone regulations and safety, passengers can refer to trusted sources such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in the United Kingdom, or the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

By understanding and adhering to MSC Cruises’ drone policy, passengers can ensure a safe and enjoyable cruise experience for themselves and their fellow travelers. It is always essential to prioritize the safety and privacy of everyone on board, and by following the guidelines and restrictions set by MSC Cruises, passengers can make the most of their vacation while respecting the rules and regulations surrounding drone usage.

Overall, exploring MSC Cruises’ drone policy provides valuable insights into the guidelines and restrictions that passengers must adhere to when bringing a drone on board. By following these guidelines, passengers can have a memorable and responsible drone experience during their cruise vacation.

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Can you fly a drone on a cruise ship? Best guide 2024

What happens if you see a ship with a drone on it? You might have just seen a cruise ship! If you are planning to go on a trip and want to capture your adventure with amazing photos and videos with a drone. You want to know, Can you fly a drone on a cruise ship? The answer is yes and maybe no.

Bringing a drone on a cruise ship is complicated because you need to get permission from the cruise company and because US federal laws strictly regulate what types of drones are allowed in US airspace. Read more about the many limitations of bringing a drone on a cruise ship here!

Table of Contents

Can you fly a drone on a cruise ship?

If you’re hoping to take your drone on a cruise ship, you might be out of luck. We contacted several major cruise lines to find out their drone policies, and none allowed them onboard.

That being said, there may be exceptions for certain types of drones or specific purposes. For example, some cruise lines allow drones for professional photography or videography services arranged in advance with the cruise line.

So if you’re planning on bringing your drone on a cruise ship, check with the cruise line first to see if they have any restrictions.

Cruise lines that permit drones on Ships:

Not all cruise lines allow drones to be used on board their ships. Here is a list of cruise lines that do allow drones:

Carnival cruise line:

Can you bring a drone on a Carnival cruise ship? Yes, but you can’t fly it. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) prohibits the operation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or drones, onboard cruise ships in U.S. waters.

Carnival Cruise Line has a strict policy prohibiting the use of drones onboard our ships. We understand that some guests may be interested in using drones to capture photos and videos during their cruise vacation. Still, the safety and security of our guests, crew, and ships are always our top priority.

Royal Caribbean cruise line:

Drones are becoming increasingly popular, and many wonder if they can bring them on their Royal Caribbean cruise ship. Yes, you can bring a drone on board, but some restrictions exist. You cannot fly the drone inside the ship or in any of the ports. Additionally, it would be best if you kept the drone within your stateroom when not in use. If you want to fly the drone while on the ship, you must get permission from the captain first.

Norwegian Cruise Line:

Norwegian Cruise Line does not currently allow drones on board their ships. However, this policy may change as the popularity of drones increases. Currently, a few drone-related activities are allowed on Norwegian Cruise Line ships. Guests are permitted to bring drones when they embark on a cruise, but they must keep them stored in their staterooms at all times. Also, guests cannot fly drones while the ship is in port.

Princess Cruises:

Yes, you can bring your drone on a Princess Cruises ship, but you will need permission from the captain before you can fly it. This is because drones can be a nuisance to other passengers and interfere with the ship’s operations. If you want to fly your drone, make sure you do so safely and responsibly.

Celebrity Cruises:

Drones have become increasingly popular recently, and many people now use them for recreation and photography. While drones are generally not allowed on Celebrity Cruises ships, there are some exceptions. If you have a drone that is small enough to fit in your carry-on luggage, you may be able to bring it onboard. However, you will need to get prior approval from Celebrity Cruises before doing so.

Once onboard, you may be able to fly your drone in certain areas of the ship, depending on the regulations at the time of your cruise. It is important to note that drone usage is always subject to change, so check with Celebrity Cruises before flying your drone onboard.

MSC cruise lines:

Yes, you can bring your drone on an MSC Cruises ship, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you’ll need permission from the captain or guest services before flying your drone. Second, be aware of the ship’s drone policy – some ships have designated areas where you can fly, while others may not allow drone use. Finally, respect other guests and avoid flying your drone near people or areas that could cause a disturbance.

Is Flying a Drone Ever Allowed on a Cruise Ship?

Flying a drone on a cruise ship is not allowed. Many areas on a cruise ship are off-limits to drones, including the pool deck and staterooms. In addition, drones are not permitted in areas where they could pose a safety hazard, such as near the ship’s propellers or lifeboats.

What kind of drones are allowed on a cruise ship?

There are a few things to consider when deciding if you can bring your drone on a cruise ship:

• The size of the drone . Most cruise ships have a weight limit for luggage, and drones can easily exceed that limit.
• The battery size . Many drones use lithium-ion batteries, which are not allowed on cruises due to fire hazards.
• You need to check with the specific cruise line to see if they have any drone restrictions.

Some cruise lines, like Carnival, do allow drones onboard as long as they meet certain criteria. For example, the drone must be smaller than 18x18x8 inches and weigh less than 20 pounds . The battery must also be under 100 watts  if you’re planning on flying your drone while on the ship; you’ll need to get permission from the captain first.

Reasons why drones are not permitted to cruise ships?

The reasons drones are not permitted on cruise ships are many and varied. The most obvious reason is that they could threaten the safety of the ship and its passengers. Another reason is that they could interfere with the operation of the ship. Additionally, drones could smuggle contraband onto the ship or take photographs or videos of passengers without their permission. Finally, drones could be a nuisance to other passengers and could cause disruptions to the onboard experience.

Where can you fly a drone on board a cruise ship?

If you’re looking to fly your drone on board a cruise ship, there are a few things you need to know. First and foremost, drones are not allowed in most areas of the ship. This includes the pool deck, public areas, and cabins. There are also restrictions on where you can fly your drone on shore. That said, there are some places where you can fly your drone on a cruise ship.

The most common place is the top deck. You’ll have plenty of space to take off and land your drone. Just be sure to stay away from the edges of the deck and avoid flying over areas where people are sunbathing or relaxing. Another option is to fly your drone from a tender boat.

These boats are typically used to transport guests to and from shore excursions. If you’re flying your drone from a tender boat, follow all of the same safety rules as if flying from the top deck. Finally, you can also fly your drone while in port. However, you’ll need to get permission from the local authorities before doing so.

Conclusion:

Based on my research, you can bring a drone on a cruise ship, but you cannot operate it while on the ship. This is likely due to insurance reasons and to avoid potential accidents or injuries if you want some great aerial footage. At the same time, on your cruise, it would be best to contact the cruise line ahead of time to see if they have any specific guidelines or restrictions.

Read our other article:

How fast can a drone fly? 

how to measure a roof with a drone? 

How to Fix a Drone Propeller That Won’t Spin? TOP-7 Methods

What do police drones look like at night?

Hi! I'm John Romero a drone enthusiast and a FAA certified drone pilot. I've been in love with these UAVs for 8 years when I bought my first drone. Now I have started Drone Guider to share my experience and knowledge with people like me around the world. Happy Flying!

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How to fly a drone from a moving ship

Published 19/10/2021 · Updated 11/02/2022

In this post I show you how to fly a drone from a ship along with some of the steps you can take to make sure you don’t lose your drone in the process!

How to fly a drone from a ship or boat and NOT lose it!

Subscribe on youtube, my experience.

I’ve been flying drones commercially since 2015 and in that time I’ve faced quite a few challenging locations and testing weather conditions. When I was recently commissioned to spend 20 days working onboard a cruise ship flying the drone I had to think about things very differently and change my planning and gear settings for the task.

Permissions

First of all if you’re looking to fly a drone from a ship that you’ve booked on as a passenger then please reconsider as most cruise lines do not allow drones to be take on-board, let alone flown from the vessel. If like me though you’ve been commissioned to fly from a ship or have permission to do so then read on and I’ll share with you some things you might want to consider.

Ship vs boat

This post is primarily aimed at flying from a large ship where you don’t have the option to stop the vessel or change course. Many of the tips I give will still apply to smaller boats too so read on if thats something you plan to do as some of the advice given could also save your drone on a smaller boat too.

Whenever you fly a drone you have to make sure uninvolved people are safe and that you’re drone is not going to endanger anybody. Flying a drone from a ship means you’re going to have to limit access to the area you’re operating in so you’ll need a couple of people to help with this. Ask one of your helpers to manage anybody who tries to access the area you’re operating in so that you’re not disturbed whilst operating the drone.

If you find a good area to operate from on one of the ships decks be aware that decks above and below you may also be at risk so try to fly early in the day when there’s less chance of there being uninvolved people on those decks too.

If you’ve booked a very expensive cruise you’re not going to be very impressed if you open the luxury drapes in your cabin to see a drone buzzing around! Respect peoples privacy by keeping the drone far enough away from the ship so as to not risk invading peoples privacy.

Have a spotter

I’ve already mentioned that you need somebody working with you to manage any people that enter the operating area of the drone but you’re also going to need another person to act as a spotter. Things happen really fast when your flying from a moving ship and its really easy to take your eyes off the drone for a moment only to look up and not be able to see it!

Have somebody working with you who’s sole responsibility is to have eyes on the drone the whole time. As you’ll hear later there’s no ‘return to home’ option in this scenario so knowing where the drone is at all times is paramount.

Find a suitable take off and landing area

I prefer to launch my drones from the deck and then hand catch them on return. To do this you need to find a suitable deck, ideally at the rear of the ship as that makes launching and landing easier as you don’t risk having the ship run in to the drone.

Wind Speeds

Check for wind speeds and make sure to take in to account the speed and direction that the ship is moving as well as the natural wind speed and direction. If the wind is moving in the opposite direction to the ship then bear in mind that your drone will need to be able to fly against the two speeds combined and have some power on tap in order to be able to catch up to the ship.

Have a walk around the ship to make sure you’re not going to run in to an area where the wind is being funnelled around the side of the ship as that could catch you out.

Interference

Ships usually have powerful radar systems and radio kit that can interfere with your signal to and from the drone. Whilst this is hard to test you can do some basic tests onboard before you fly but also be aware that your normal operating distances could be severely reduced so keep an eye on your signal strengths. In my experience video transmission from the drone was the only problem I ran in to but that could be dependent on the systems onboard the ship.

Choosing the right drone

When it comes to choosing the right drone to fly from a ship there are three main things you need to think about…

• How easy is it going to be to catch or land the drone?
• Does the drone have an Attitude (ATTI) mode?
• What image quality do you need?
• Can you afford to lose the drone?

For me the right choice was the Phantom 4 Pro. Whilst this drone is old school in terms of it’s design it’s a very easy drone to hand catch and still has respectable image quality. The P4Pro has ATTI mode which is vital and while it’s by no means a cheap drone, I’d much rather lose a P4 to the sea than my Inspire 2!

Compass Calibration

My advice is to not do a compass calibration onboard the ship. Even on deck you’re going to be surrounded by lots of metal and sources of interference so it would be very hard to get a good calibration in that setting.

Whenever possible I took my Phantom on land and calibrated the compass in an open area away from metal objects or other sources of interference.

When launching on the ship I either held the drone during startup or placed it on something that positioned it far enough away from the deck to allow it to start without giving a compass error.

ATTI or Attitude Mode sets the drone so that it’s no longer using GPS positioning data to maintain its lateral position, The drone will maintain its altitude however its position will only be effected by the wind and your stick inputs.

The reason why ATTI mode is vital to fly a drone from a ship or boat is that if you try to launch the drone in GPS mode it will immediately assume it’s drifting in the wind and try to maintain its position by flying in the opposite direction to the ship, often with disastrous consequences if it hits a hand rail or other object in the process!

Also note that every time you power down the drone to change battery and media and the restart it with a fresh battery it will default to GPS mode regardless of the position of the switch on the controller. This almost caught me out on my second flight so make sure to cycle the switch and confirm ATTI mode in the app before launching the drone.

Geo zones are the defined areas around airports and other sensitive locations where it’s not possible to fly a drone. If you happen to be flying close to an airports geo zone then your drone will usually be stopped from entering it by the DJI software which is normally fine if you’re operating on the ground.

If you’re flying from the back of a ship and the ship enters a geo zone then the drone will not be able to follow you! You need to make sure that you are not going to be sailing in to any geo zones by checking the DJI maps in advance, especially of your going to be operating close to land from a ship.

Home point updates

When you start your drone it will define a home point on the map, but as you’re on a moving ship you will be moving away from that home point and it can soon be out of range of the drone. Whilst it’s best not to use return-to-home at any point I still recommend regularly updating the home point to your position just in case an RTH gets initiated. In the video I show how to update the home point to your location using the DJI Go 4 app.

Settings in the DJI app

In the video I show step by step instructions of how and why I set each of these settings however I will outline them below.

MC Settings

• Enable Intelligent Flight Modes – ON  (To enable ATTI)
• Beginner Mode – OFF
• Distance Limit – OFF  (Very Important! Watch the video!)
• Advanced > RC Signal Lost – Hover
• I switch all sensors off as it could interfere with landing the drone
• Smart Return to Home – OFF (Very Important!)
• Critical Battery Warning – 10%
• Low Battery Warning – 50% (Give yourself plenty of time to land!)

Insurance & Data

It goes without saying that flying from a moving ship is very risky, if anything happens with your connection to the drone then it’s gone so have decent insurance! Also, every time you land change the memory card, that way should the worst happen you’ll only have lost the most recent shots and not the footage from the whole day.

If you found these tips useful then please consider leaving a comment to let me know and it would be great if you could subscribe to my YouTube channel. Below I have posted the kit shown in the video as well as the kit used to create the video above.

Kit shown in the video:

• DJI Phantom 4 Pro
• DJI Crystal Sky
• DJI Crystal Sky Hood

Kit used making the video:

• Camera: Sony FX3
• Lens: Sony 16-35 f/2.8 GM
• Lens: Sony 35mm f/1.8
• Wireless Kit: Sony UWP D21
• Mic: Rode NTG-3
• ND: Polar Pro PM II VND 2-5
• Filter: Tiffen Black Promist Filter 1/8

Tags: DJI Phantom 4 Drone

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Very useful article. Especially the issues regarding ATTI mode and Geozones.

Now gotta go check if my Mini 4 Pro has an ATTI mode.

Will check out your YT channel when I get a moment.

Cheers, Deep

Glad it helped, the Mini’s don’t have ATTI sadly and DJI don’t seem to be including in on most of their consumer / pro-sumer drones these days.

Let me know if you have any questions and I’ll be pleased to help.

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Iran launches dozens of drones at Israel, one injured in attack: Recap

Editor's Note: This page is a summary of news on the Israel-Hamas war for Saturday, April 13. For the latest news on the conflict in the Middle East, view our story for Sunday, April 14 .

WASHINGTON — For the first time ever, Iran launched an attack Saturday against Israel directly from its territory.

Iran sent a wave of drones toward Israel, a U.S. official told USA TODAY Saturday, as the country ramped up preparations for an Iranian strike amid soaring Mideast tensions. The official was not authorized to speak publicly.

The Iranians had been observed preparing drones to attack Israel, according to a second U.S. official briefed on the intelligence but not authorized to speak publicly. 

The attacks were retaliation for a suspected Israeli airstrike on Iran’s embassy in Damascus, Syria last of Apr. 1. that killed seven Revolutionary Guards officers including two senior commanders. The move by Iran marks the most recent escalation in an inflamed Middle East that has been building for half a year − ever since Hamas' Oct. 7 attack in Israel detonated a retaliatory war against the militant group in the Gaza Strip.

"Our defensive systems are deployed; we are ready for any scenario, both defensively and offensively," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an address. "The State of Israel is strong."

Israel's military said fighter jets and navy vessels are "on a defense mission in Israeli airspace."

The attack is "likely to unfold over a number of hours," U.S. National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said. President Joe Biden is set to meet with his national security team at the White House on Saturday afternoon and is being updated on the situation, Watson said.

"President Biden has been clear: Our support for Israel’s security is ironclad. The United States will stand with the people of Israel and support their defense against these threats from Iran," Watson said in a statement.

After the founding of the state of Israel in 1948, the small Mideast country maintained relations with Iran − an outlier from other Muslim majority countries in the region. After Iran's 1979 Islamic revolution, the two nations turned into fierce rivals.

Developments:

∎ Iran said it will not hesitate to take further "defensive measures" to protect its interests against any military aggression, the Iranian foreign ministry said in a statement Sunday.

∎ Israel's national emergency service reported a 10-year-old boy in the Arad region had been injured. No casualties have been reported as a result of the attack.

∎ Biden returned to the White House to meet with national security advisers about events in the Mideast on Saturday afternoon, cutting short a weekend trip to Delaware, the White House said in a statement.

∎ Iraq and Jordan temporarily closed their airspace as Iran launched drones toward Israel Saturday. Jordan has helped Israel respond to the attack by shooting down dozens of Iranian drones, Reuters reported.

Israeli Ambassador to U.N. calls for emergency meeting of Security Council

Israel’s top diplomat to the U.N. called for the Security Council to meet immediately to condemn Iran’s attacks and to designate the Iranian Revolutionary Guards a terrorist organization.

In a letter released Saturday night , Israeli Ambassador Gilad Erdan wrote to U.N. Security Council President Vanessa Frazier said Iran’s drone and missile attacks at Israel was a “clear violation” of the U.N. Charter and international law, calling it a “severe and dangerous escalation.”

He pointed to Saturday’s attacks, as well as weapons transfers to Hamas, the Houthis and Hezbollah, among other Iranian-backed proxies, as evidence of violations that he said threaten international peace. He also cited Revolutionary Guards seizing a Portuguese civilian cargo ship earlier on Saturday.

“The time has come for the Security Council to take concrete action against the Iranian threat,” he said.

The 15-member Security Council includes the U.S. as a permanent member. Neither Israel nor Iran are current members.

IDF: Most Iranian missiles intercepted outside Israel’s borders, IDF base hit with ‘minor damage’

Israel said most missile launches from Iran were intercepted before crossing into Israel. On social media, Israel Defense Forces said its Aerial Defense Array and its “strategic allies” intercepted most launches before they hit Israeli territory. Still, IDF did identify “a small number of hits,” including at an IDF base in southern Israel. The base had minor damage to infrastructure, IDF said.

“Over the past few hours, many dozens of hostile aircraft, as well as dozens of cruise missiles, from Iran were identified approaching Israeli territory and intercepted,” IDF said. “Dozens of (Israeli Air Force) fighter jets are currently operating to intercept all aerial threats approaching Israeli territory.”

What is Israel’s Iron Dome?

The Iron Dome is Israel’s mobile missile defense system that is designed to find and shoot down short-range rockets fired at Israel. An all-weather system, the Iron Dome can also take down artillery and drones, and it can detect and engage rockets up to 40 miles away.

After becoming operational in 2011, it’s been upgraded over the years and has a high success rate. It’s part of Israel’s three-tiered air defense system that protects against short-range ballistic missiles, large-caliber rockets and cruise missiles, via David’s Sling, and also through Arrow-3, which provides defense against medium-range ballistic missiles.

Iran won’t hesitate to take more ‘defensive measures’ to protect ‘legitimate interests’

Iran’s foreign ministry said it would not hesitate to take further “defensive measures,” against any military aggression, Reuters reported.

“Iran, if necessary, will not hesitate to take further defensive measures to safeguard its legitimate interests against any military aggressions and unlawful use of force," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement, according to state TV.

Iran would do so, the statement reportedly said, while reaffirming its commitment to the principles of the U.N. Charter and international law.

U.N. secretary-general ‘deeply alarmed’ by region-wide escalation

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he strongly condemned Iran’s “large-scale attack” on Israel. In a statement, he called for an immediate stop to the fighting.

“I am deeply alarmed about the very real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation,” he said. “I urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East. I have repeatedly stressed that neither the region nor the world can afford another war.”

Trump praises Israel, attacks Biden's leadership during Pennsylvania rally

Former President Donald Trump paid tribute to Israel and blamed President Joe Biden for Iran's attack during a campaign rally Saturday night in Pennsylvania.

"God Bless the people of Israel," Trump said at the start of a rally at a fairground in Schnecksville ,  Pa., near Allentown. 

Trump, who attacked Biden in a series of Truth Social posts earlier in the day, did not cite the president by name when discussing Israel, but did blame what he called weak U.S. leadership for the attack by Iran.

Echoing a Truth Social post earlier in the day, Trump said the attack "would not have happened" if "we were in office."

− David Jackson

Biden says commitment to Israel’s security 'ironclad'

President Joe Biden said that he met with his national security team for an update on Iran’s attacks against Israel.

“Our commitment to Israel’s security against threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad,” he said on  social media .

Sirens, booms across Israel as 10-year-old critically injured

Sirens sounded off across Israel amid Iranian drone attacks, according to Israel Defense Forces.

The IDF issued a flurry of alerts on Telegram for sirens sounding from southern Israel to northern Israel. This also included Jerusalem, the Negev and Dead Sea regions, among others.

Magen David Adom, Israel’s national emergency service, said there were no casualties reported, but a 10-year-old boy in the Bedouin area in the Arad region is in critical condition. On social media , MDA said first responders were treating the boy.

It was unclear whether he was injured by missile fragments or an interceptor, Times of Israel reported.

Earlier, MDA said sirens sounded across the country but there were no reports of casualties aside from calls of “stress symptoms” and people injured running for cover.

Trump attacks Biden over Iran attack; claims it wouldn't have happened under him

Former President Donald Trump reacted to the attack by referring to himself.

"ISRAEL IS UNDER ATTACK! This should never have been allowed to happen - This would NEVER have happened if I were President!" the presumptive Republican presidential candidate said in one of a string of Truth Social posts.

In other posts, Trump taunted Biden for not giving a live speech on the attack, and said the U.S. would always stand behind Israel.

Trump may address the situation during a campaign rally near Allentown, Pa.

Jordan shoots down dozens of Iranian drones to help Israel

Jordan shot down dozens of Iranian drones above northern and central Jordan en route to Israel, Reuters reported citing two security sources.

The news outlet reported Iran said it had been watching if Jordan made any moves seen as supporting Israel, warning that Jordan could be the next target, Reuters reported.

Iranian drone attack makes Israel attack on embassy ‘concluded,’ Iran U.N. mission says

Iran’s mission to the UN. said its drone attack against Israel marks the end of its response to Israel suspected bombing Iran's embassy in Syria in early April.

“The matter can be deemed concluded,” Iran’s mission said in a social media post Saturday evening. “However, should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran’s response will be considerably more severe. It is a conflict between Iran and the rogue Israeli regime, from which the U.S. MUST STAY AWAY!”

Lawmakers respond to Iran attack on Israel

Reactions from lawmakers were largely divided among partisan lines, with House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La, stating the "Biden Administration's undermining of Israel and appeasement of Iran have contributed to these terrible developments," and GOP Rep. Mike Crenshaw, R-Texas, arguing that "Biden signaled waning support for Israel. Now a potential war is erupting."

Other GOP lawmakers such as Sen. Roger Wicker, the top-ranking Republican on the Armed Services Committee, and Rep. Mike McCaul, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, called on the U.S. to stand with Israel.

“Our shared enemies, including Iran and their proxies, need to know our commitment is unwavering. We must join with Israel to ensure that Iran’s aggression is met with resolute action and resounding strength," Wicker, R-Miss., said.

Democratic Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada also said, "The United States stands firmly with Israel and its right to defend itself against attacks from Iran and its terrorist proxies." 

The senator said she would keep working to get legislation passed that provides additional military aid to Israel.

"What is happening now in the Middle East is why the house should have voted for the Senate passed security bill that supports Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan in their fight for sovereignty and democratic principles," Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., said in a X post, calling the U.S. the "backbone of the free world."

Drones key to Iran and its militias against U.S., Israel, researchers say

Drones have been key to Iran and militant groups it supports to attack U.S. forces and allies, according to the Iran Primer, a consortium of scholars who study the country.

Iran first developed rudimentary drones during its war with Iraq in the 1980s, Iran Primer's article said Friday. Today, Iranian drones are used for combat as suicide drones that explode on impact, or by traveling long distances to launch munitions at targets. They are also used for surveillance to identify targets using photo and video.

Iran began sending drones to Hezbollah, the militant group it backs in Lebanon, in the 2000s. In 2006, Hezbollah used drones against Israel in its 34-day war. They’ve reportedly since been used against ISIS militants, as well as in attacks in Saudi oilfields and in Iraq against U.S. military and diplomatic targets. Since 2022, Iran has supplied Russia with drones starting to use against civilian and military targets in Ukraine. Iran’s use of drones has increased in Syria, Iraq and Jordan after the war began between Hamas and Israel. In January, an Iranian-made drone killed three American soldiers in Jordan , while Houthi militants, backed by Iran, used Iranian-designed drones to attack ships in the Red Sea .

While some Iranian drones are small, carrying as little as 7 pounds of explosives, others can have payloads of up to 1,240 pounds. Many are modeled on captured American drones, Iran Primer said.

Plans in place ahead of drones, defense not ‘hermetic,’ IDF says

Israel plans to cut GPS services in certain areas as part of its plan to counter Iran launching drones at the country, Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Daniel Hagari said in a briefing Saturday evening.

“The IDF and the Israeli Air Force are implementing the plan we prepared in advance,” Hagari said in remarks. “As part of the preparations, GPS services will not be available in certain areas - the disruption is deliberate and according to plan. If we detect additional threats with a shorter arrival time, we will update you immediately.”

Hagari reminded Israelis of Home Front Command , which helps prepare civilians for conflicts or disasters. With sirens activated, IDF said people must enter shelters and remain there for no less than 10 minutes, though he said it could be longer. He encouraged Israelis to act responsibly and calmly. The IDF remains cooperating with the U.S. and partners in the region to counter launches and intercept them, he added. Protection includes the Israeli Air Force and Navy personnel, as well as the Aerial Defense Array, which includes the Iron Dome Aerial Defense System.

The defense is not “hermetic,” he said, adding it’s crucial to follow the country's Home Front Command.

U.S. promises to support Israel in face of Iran attack

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke Saturday with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and “made clear that Israel could count on full U.S. support to defend Israel against any attacks by Iran and its regional proxies,” according to a readout of their call provided by Pentagon press secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder. 

National security adviser Jake Sullivan also affirmed the U.S.' "ironclad commitment to the security of Israel" in a call with his counterpart in Israel, Tzachi Hanegbi, Sullivan said Saturday.

Netanyahu said in an address he appreciates the U.S. and other allies' support.

How long until the Iranian drones reach Israel?

The dozens of drones that were launched could take hours to arrive, according to Israel's top-rated Channel 12 TV news. Retired general Amos Yadlin told the channel the drones were equipped with 20 kg of explosives. Israel's military said sirens will sound in any threatened areas. Iran has threatened to retaliate for an April 1 attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus that killed seven of its military commanders. Iran blames Israel for the attack, but Israel has not confirmed or denied involvement.

Iran readies missiles for potential attack, US official says

Iran has been observed preparing cruise missiles for use in a potential attack on Israel, according to a U.S. official briefed on the matter.

Meanwhile, national security officials remained focused Saturday on Iran’s next steps, a second official said. Both officials were not authorized to speak publicly.

Biden confirmed Friday that U.S. intelligence showed that an Iranian attack on Israel could happen soon. Iran has vowed revenge for the April 1 airstrike. Iran blames Israel for the airstrike; Israel has not publicly acknowledged its role in the attack.

Iran’s anticipated retaliation comes as tensions have spiked in the Middle East as Israel’s war against Hamas continues. The Pentagon has bolstered defenses for the tens of thousands of U.S. troops in the region in advance of the prospect of an imminent attack on Israel and Western interests.

More: Israelis ask if world has forgotten their hostages six months after the trauma of Oct. 7

More: Pregnant women in Gaza Strip face starvation, no anesthesia after 6 months of war

Iranian forces seize ship with ties to Israel in Strait of Hormuz

Members of Iran's Revolutionary Guard seized an Israel-linked cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday.

Iranian state media reported that the MSC Aries ship, which carries a Portuguese flag, was taken into Iranian waters. The ship's operator, MSC, confirmed the seizure by Iran and said it was working with authorities to ensure its return and the safety of the crew.

The crew includes Indian, Filipino, Pakistani, Russian and Estonian, according to White House National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson. Watson said the seizing of a "civilian vessel without provocation is a blatant violation of international law" and an act of piracy.

"We strongly condemn the Iranian seizure of the Portuguese flagged, British-owned MSC AIRES in international waters," Watson said on X .

Ship incident comes amid Houthi attacks in Red Sea

The Iran-backed Houthi rebel group in Yemen has been attacking ships in the Red Sea for months, saying it aims for Israel-linked ships.

The ship seized on Saturday is owned by Gortal Shipping, an affiliate of Zodiac Maritime. Zodiac is partly owned by an Israeli businessman. Zodiac said in a statement that MSC leases the Aries and is responsible for its activities.

"Iran will bear consequences for choosing to escalate this situation any further," said Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, a spokesperson for Israel's military.

Hasan Alhasan, an analyst with the International Institute for Strategic Studies, told Reuters that if the seizure of the ship is in retaliation for the April 1 attack, it may indicate Iran's desire to save face without causing a wider escalation of the regional conflict. "Iran may be trying to play on fears that it could obstruct shipping through the strait, a passageway of greater significance to global oil and gas supplies than the Red Sea," Alhasan said.

Body found of missing Israeli teen

Israeli officials said the body of a 14-year-old boy who went missing near the Malachei Shalom outpost on Friday morning was found Saturday in the West Bank.

Binyamin Achimair's death was a "terrorist attack," the Israeli military said, while Netanyahu vowed the perpetrators would be found.

Israeli forces were searching "from the air and on the ground" Friday, while groups of Israeli settlers stormed a nearby Palestinian village and set fire to houses and cars overnight. One person was killed and several injured in the conflict, Palestinian officials said.

Israeli settlements in the West Bank are considered illegal under international law by most of the world, which Israel contests. The settlements house Israeli citizens in the occupied land.

Contributing: Reuters

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G7 releases statement condemning Iran retaliatory attacks on Israel – as it happened

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• 12h ago Summary
• 12h ago IDF says it intercepted UAV that approached Israel 'from the southeast'
• 13h ago UN chief: 'The Middle East is on the brink'
• 15h ago Jordan's King Abdullah: Jordan 'won't be an arena for a regional war'
• 15h ago Palestinians continue to face Israeli attacks as Israel-Iran tensions escalate
• 17h ago Syria: Iran's attacks were a 'legitimate act of self-defence'
• 19h ago Bolivia's president warns of possible 'third world war' after Iran's attack on Israel
• 19h ago Summary of the day so far...
• 20h ago Biden tells Netanyahu he would oppose any Israeli counterattack against Iran -report
• 20h ago Iran informed Turkey in advance of its operation against Israel - source
• 20h ago Israel will exact price from Iran 'when time is right for us', war cabinet minister says
• 20h ago Major Middle East airlines to resume flights after Iran's attack on Israel
• 22h ago Iran's attack on Israel has taken the Middle East to the 'edge of a precipice', Germany's foreign minister says
• 22h ago Iran says it informed the US its attacks on Israel will be 'limited'
• 23h ago Sunak confirms UK jets shot down a number of Iranian drones and calls attack a 'dangerous and unnecessary escalation'
• 23h ago Summary of the day so far...
• 24h ago Iran summons the British, French and German ambassadors - report
• 24h ago Several Iranian airports cancel flights until Monday morning
• 24h ago Jordanian PM: Escalation in region would lead to 'dangerous paths'
• 1d ago Death toll in Gaza reaches 33,729, says health ministry
• 1d ago Most of the Iranian drones flying over Syria during Tehran's strikes were downed by Israeli and US jets - sources
• 1d ago British RAF typhoons 'involved in shooting down' Iranian drones over Syria and Iraq overnight - sources
• 1d ago Response will be much larger if Israel retaliates, Iran armed forces chief warns
• 1d ago Summary
• 1d ago Jordan and Iraq reopen their airspace
• 1d ago Israel's response to Iran attack will rest with war cabinet
• 1d ago Minor damage to infrastructure at Nevatim airbase, reports IDF
• 1d ago Israeli airspace reopens
• 1d ago Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant holds operational situation assessment
• 1d ago Iran attack on Israel 'foiled' - IDF spokesperson
• 1d ago IDF confirms more than 300 drones and missiles launched at Israel
• 1d ago US forces intercepted 'dozens' of missiles and drones, says defence secretary
• 1d ago US Senate majority leader calls for for supplemental aid bill to be passed
• 1d ago 'Nearly all' Iranian drones and missiles intercepted, says Biden
• 1d ago Thousands gather in Iran in show of support for attack on Israel - AFP
• 1d ago UN security council will hold emergency meeting Sunday
• 1d ago Netanyahu speaks with Joe Biden as war cabinet meeting concludes
• 1d ago Injuries at IDF base in south of Israel
• 1d ago Mitch McConnell calls for Congress to take action on supplemental bill that includes aid for Israel and Ukraine
• 1d ago Most missiles intercepted outside Israel's borders, IDF spokesperson says
• 1d ago US forces in the region shooting down Iranian-launched drones
• 1d ago Jordan's air force shooting down Iranian drones in airspace - reports
• 1d ago Iran's Revolutionary Guards release new statement
• 1d ago US embassy in Jerusalem tells government employees to shelter in place
• 1d ago Egypt calls on all parties to exercise 'utmost restraint'
• 1d ago Air travel disrupted across the region
• 1d ago Explosions visible in the sky in several places as air raid sirens blare out across the country
• 1d ago UK jets will intercept airborne attacks within range of existing missions, says Ministry of Defence
• 1d ago More than 100 drones launched against Israel, IDF says
• 1d ago Iran's mission to the UN gives statement on Israel attack
• 1d ago Rishi Sunak condemns Iran's 'reckless attack' on Israel
• 2d ago Joe Biden arrives at White House
• 2d ago Iran supreme leader Ali Khamenei: 'The malicious Zionist regime will be punished'
• 2d ago US National Security Council: 'The United States will stand with the people of Israel'
• 2d ago Joe Biden cuts short Delaware trip and heads back to White House
• 2d ago Benjamin Netanyahu: 'Whoever harms us, we will harm them'
• 2d ago Iran launches drones towards Israel, says IDF

UK jets will intercept airborne attacks within range of existing missions, says Ministry of Defence

The UK Ministry of Defence has said that jets will intercept any airborne attacks within range of its existing missions, as required.

In a statement, the ministry said that it has moved several additional Royal Air Force jets and air refuelling tankers to the region.

In response to increased Iranian threats and the growing risk of escalation in the Middle East, the UK Government has been working with partners across the region to encourage de-escalation and prevent further attacks … We will continue to cooperate closely with our regional partners in the interest of de-escalation.”

Israel’s Channel 12 TV has reported that US and British warplanes have downed some Israeli-bound drones over the Iraq-Syria border area.

Unnamed US officials told the Reuters news agency that the military had shot down Iranian drones, but did not disclose how many or their precise locations.

Kuwait Airways has diverted all its incoming and outgoing flights away from “areas of tension ”, Reuters reports.

It added that Lebanon has announced the temporary closure of its airspace.

More than 100 drones launched against Israel, IDF says

Iran has launched more than 100 explosives-laden drones at Israel , the Israeli military has said, while declining to immediately confirm media reports that cruise missiles were also part of the attack.

Iranian state media have reported that missiles were also launched. State television quoted a statement from the Iran’s Revolutionary Guards as saying:

In response to the numerous crimes committed by the Zionist regime, including the attack on the consular section … the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps fired dozens of missiles and drones at specific targets inside the occupied territories [Israel].

Almost an hour after the drones were launched, Iran fired a “first batch of ballistic missiles”, the official IRNA news agency said.

Israel’s Channel 12 TV has also said that cruise missiles are being used in the attack. The Israeli network has said that the Iranian drone salvo is expected to reach Israel at 2am local time.

Iran's mission to the UN gives statement on Israel attack

“Iran’s military action was in response to the Zionist regime’s aggression against our diplomatic premises in Damascus,” Iran’s mission to the UN has said in a post on X.

The matter can be deemed concluded. However, should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran’s response will be considerably more severe.

The post goes on to say that the conflict is between Iran and Israel – and the US “must stay away”.

Conducted on the strength of Article 51 of the UN Charter pertaining to legitimate defense, Iran’s military action was in response to the Zionist regime’s aggression against our diplomatic premises in Damascus. The matter can be deemed concluded. However, should the Israeli… — Permanent Mission of I.R.Iran to UN, NY (@Iran_UN) April 13, 2024

Israeli intelligence has detected the launch of dozens of drones and missiles from Iran and Iraq, two Israeli officials told the New York Times anonymously.

According to the officials, the Golan Heights and an Israeli air force base in the Negev desert are expected to be the areas of impact.

Rishi Sunak condemns Iran's 'reckless attack' on Israel

The British prime minister on X has condemned Iran’s attack and reiterated the UK’s continued support for Israel’s security.

I condemn in the strongest terms the Iranian regime’s reckless attack against Israel. Iran has once again demonstrated that it is intent on sowing chaos in its own back yard. The UK will continue to stand up for Israel’s security and that of all our regional partners, including Jordan and Iraq. Alongside our allies, we are urgently working to stabilise the situation and prevent further escalation. No one wants to see more bloodshed.

Read my statement on the Iranian regime’s reckless attack against Israel. pic.twitter.com/xeuR3cd3kG — Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) April 13, 2024

Syria has put its Russian-made Pantsir ground-to-air defence systems around its capital Damascus and put major bases on high alert, anticipating an Israeli strike, army sources have told Reuters.

They said they expected Israel to retaliate against army bases and installations where pro-Iranian militia were based.

Initial reports indicated that Iran had launched multiple drones aimed at Israel , backed up by night-time videos from Iran of appearing to show noisy Shahed drones presumably flying west.

The slow moving Shaheds flies at a speed of 110 miles per hour, would take six hours to fly from Iran , and are relatively easy to intercept, as Ukraine has demonstrated with a less effective air defence system.

On March 23, Ukraine’s air force said it had shot down 31 out of 34 attacking, for example - meaning that an attack by a few dozen drones, whilst dramatic, would not in itself demonstrate military seriousness by Tehran.

A more dangerous assault would involve a combination of manoeuvrable cruise missiles and high speed ballistic missiles.

At the time of writing, there were emerging reports that cruise missiles had been fired after the drones. A cruise missile might take two hours to reach Israel, but a high ballistic missile could take as little as 15 minutes. These would be launched after the drones in an attempt to arrive at similar times and perhaps in waves in an effort to overwhelm Israel’s air defences.

A week ago, Iran’s ISNA news agency published a graphic on Sunday that listed nine different types of missiles it claimed can hit Israel, at the closest point less than 600 miles from Iran itself.

These included the Sejil ballistic missile, said to be capable of flying at more than 10,500 miles per hour or the Kheibar with an estimated range of over 1,200 miles and the Paveh cruise missile, with a claimed range of 1,000 miles, first publicly demonstrated a year ago.

Faster speeds and shorter flight times make them harder to shoot down than drones, although also relevant are the numbers fired and the overall sophistication of the attack.

Here are some images coming through the newswires of Joe Biden’s traveling to the White House after he cut short his Delaware trip on Saturday:

The Israeli airline El Al Airlines has cancelled 15 flights scheduled for this weekend. Israel has closed its airspace as a precaution.

Foreign destinations affected include Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Milan, Bucharest, Sofia, Athens, Dubai and Moscow. Flights on Saturday and Sunday are affected, a statement from El Al said.

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Middle East crisis — explained

The conflict between Israel and Palestinians — and other groups in the Middle East — goes back decades. These stories provide context for current developments and the history that led up to them.

Israel shoots down missiles and drones after Iran launches unprecedented attack

Becky Sullivan

Israeli Iron Dome air defense systems launch to intercept missiles fired from Iran, in central Israel on Sunday. Tomer Neuberg/AP hide caption

Israeli Iron Dome air defense systems launch to intercept missiles fired from Iran, in central Israel on Sunday.

Booms and air raid sirens sounded across Israel and the occupied West Bank early Sunday morning, after Iran launched dozens of drones and missiles toward Israel, in an attack that marked a major escalation of conflict in the Middle East.

In Washington, President Joe Biden said U.S. forces had helped Israel down "nearly all" the drones and missiles, and pledged to convene allies to develop a unified response.

Israeli military spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Iran fired more than 300 projectiles at Israel overnight, 99% of which were shot down, the "vast majority". Officials reported minor damage to a military base in southern Israel and one injury to a 10-year-old child, who was reported to be in critical condition.

"We will do everything we need, everything, to defend the state of Israel," Hagari said. He added that some of the launches came from Iraq and Yemen.

How Iran and Israel became archenemies

The Israeli War Cabinet planned to meet at lunchtime. In a statement Sunday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the U.S. does "not seek escalation" of the conflict.

G7 leaders are meeting on Sunday afternoon to coordinate on a diplomatic response to Iran's attack, and engage with officials across the Middle East. The United Nations Security Council is is also set to meet, after Israel requested the council condemn Iran's attack, and designate the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps a terrorist organization.

Iran had vowed to retaliate after an airstrike on an Iranian consulate in Syria earlier this month killed seven Iranian military officials . It is the first time that Iran has launched an attack on Israel from Iranian soil, Israeli officials said.

U.S. forces in the region were active in shooting down drones, a U.S. defense official said. And interceptions by Israel's anti-missile defense system lit up the skies over populous areas including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

The Israeli emergency medical service Magen David Adom reported that a 10-year-old child had been struck in the head by shrapnel in the area of Arad, a town near the southwestern edge of the Dead Sea. Paramedics also treated about 20 people who suffered from anxiety or minor injuries experienced while seeking shelter, the service said.

Saturday's attack, which was first announced by Israeli officials around 4 p.m. ET, was staged in waves and took hours to reach Israel, officials said.

In a statement broadcast on Iranian state television, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps described the attack as a "large-scale military operation" against multiple targets inside Israel.

In a post on the social media site X, Iran's permanent mission to the United Nations wrote that the attack was a direct response to the strike on the consulate and that "the matter can be deemed concluded."

Iranian commandos seize an Israeli-linked container ship near Strait of Hormuz

Following Tehran's overnight drone and missile attack on Sunday, Iran warned Israel of a larger attack on its territory should it retaliate, adding that Washington has been warned not to back Israeli military action.

"Our response will be much larger than tonight's military action if Israel retaliates against Iran," armed forces chief of staff Major General Mohammad Bagheri told state TV, adding that Tehran warned Washington that any backing of Israeli retaliation would result in U.S. bases being targeted.

The U.S. military was directly involved in the response, a senior U.S. defense official said. "In accordance with our ironclad commitment to Israel's security, U.S. forces in the region continue to shoot down Iranian-launched drones targeting Israel. Our forces remain postured to provide additional defensive support and to protect U.S. forces operating in the region," the official said.

Israelis were urged to take shelter

This video grab from AFPTV taken on Sunday shows explosions lighting up Jerusalem's sky during an Iranian attack on Israel. AFPTV/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

This video grab from AFPTV taken on Sunday shows explosions lighting up Jerusalem's sky during an Iranian attack on Israel.

Officials in Israel had explicitly urged residents of Nevatim, Dimona and Eilat — three cities in Israel's Negev desert region — and people in the northern occupied Golan Heights to take shelter. A major Israeli air base is located near Nevatim, and an Israeli nuclear research facility is located in Dimona.

Airspace over Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon was closed late Saturday, while some airlines announced the cancellation of some flights and the re-routing of others due to the attacks. Israel and Jordan reopened their airspace on Sunday morning.

Hezbollah, the Lebanon-based militant group, said that it had staged its own attack by launching dozens of rockets toward an Israeli military base in the Golan early Sunday.

In a Saturday night address to Israelis, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that his country was ready for "any scenario, both defensively and offensively."

"We have determined a clear principle: Whoever harms us, we will harm them. We will defend ourselves against any threat and will do so level-headedly and with determination," Netanyahu said.

After striking throughout the Middle East, Iran's proxies now become the targets

President Biden monitored the attack from the Situation Room alongside top defense and diplomatic officials. In anticipation of the attack, he had cut short a trip to Delaware in order to return to the White House.

Afterward, he spoke with Netanyahu and said Israel had "demonstrated a remarkable capacity to defend against and defeat even unprecedented attacks – sending a clear message to its foes that they cannot effectively threaten the security of Israel."

"At my direction, to support the defense of Israel, the U.S. military moved aircraft and ballistic missile defense destroyers to the region over the course of the past week" the president said. "Thanks to these deployments and the extraordinary skill of our servicemembers, we helped Israel take down nearly all of the incoming drones and missiles."

Iran blames Israel for an earlier attack on its consulate

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks on March 1 in Tehran, Iran. Iran vowed to respond after an attack on an Iranian consulate in Syria. Majid Saeedi/Getty Images hide caption

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks on March 1 in Tehran, Iran. Iran vowed to respond after an attack on an Iranian consulate in Syria.

The attack on Israel comes four days after Iran's leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed retaliation for an April 1 strike on an Iranian consulate in the Syrian capital of Damascus. Iran said the strike killed seven members of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, including two generals, and it blamed Israel for the attack. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied being behind the attack, though the Pentagon said Israel was responsible.

By Saturday, as anticipation had grown over a possible retaliation, Israeli officials warned residents living in communities near Gaza and the Lebanon border to limit the size of gatherings and to work indoors or within reach of a shelter. Schools across Israel were closed through Monday.

Iranian officials accuse Israel of a deadly attack on Iran's consulate in Syria

U.S. defense officials told NPR Saturday that the U.S. military had moved assets around the region in anticipation of an attack, including aircraft, and had shored up defensive positions for forces in the region. The top U.S. military commander in the Middle East, Gen. Michael Kurilla, arrived in Israel Thursday to coordinate with the Israeli military.

In a post on Telegram on Sunday, Hamas expressed support for Iran's attack, calling it a "natural right" and a deserved response to the Israeli strike on an Iranian diplomatic compound in Syria this month. The militant group called on Arab and Islamic nations to continue their backing in its fight against Israel, according to the Washington Post.

Also on Sunday, a statement by Israel's intelligence agency Mossad announced that Hamas had rejected the latest hostage deal outline, which would have led to a six week pause in fighting between Israel and Hamas. They blamed the lapse in negotiations directly on Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.

The attack is a large escalation of hostilities in the region

The strike and retaliation represent an escalation of conflict in the region that many officials worldwide had expressed worry about ever since the outbreak of war between Israel and the Gaza-based militant group Hamas on Oct. 7, the day Hamas led an attack on Israel that left some 1,200 people dead.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said on Saturday that he condemned Iran's attack and was "deeply alarmed about the very real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation."

Egypt's foreign affairs ministry called Iran's attack a "dangerous escalation" and in a Saturday night statement urged "the exercise of the utmost restraint to spare the region and its people further factors of instability and tension." Jordan's Prime Minister said on Sunday any escalation in the region would lead to "dangerous paths", while United Arab Emirates foreign ministry called for the exercise of the utmost restraint to avoid dangerous repercussions.

Iran has long supplied Hamas with funds and weapons . The White House has not directly linked Iran to the Oct. 7 attack.

In the six months since Oct. 7, Israel has bombarded Gaza and conducted a devastating ground invasion that has left much of the territory in ruins and more than 33,000 Palestinians dead, according to Palestinian health officials.

The last time Iran launched a similar attack was in 2020 , when it fired ballistic missiles at the Ain al-Asad Air Base in Iraq, wounding dozens of U.S. troops, in retaliation for the killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani by a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad.

Additional reporting by NPR's Daniel Estrin and NPR's Carrie Kahn in Tel Aviv, NPR's Tom Bowman in Washington, D.C., and NPR's Jane Arraf in Amman. Alon Avital and Itay Stern contributed reporting from Tel Aviv.

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A Look at Iran’s Military Capabilities

The direct military confrontation between Iran and Israel has brought renewed attention to Iran’s armed forces. What are they capable of?

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By Farnaz Fassihi

• Published April 12, 2024 Updated April 14, 2024

The start of a direct military confrontation between Iran and Israel has brought renewed attention to Iran’s armed forces. Early this month, Israel attacked a building in Iran’s diplomatic compound in the Syrian capital, Damascus, killing seven of Iran’s senior commanders and military personnel .

Iran vowed to retaliate, and did so about two weeks later, starting a broad aerial attack on Israel on Saturday involving hundreds of drones and missiles aimed at targets inside Israel and the territory it controls.

Here’s a look at Iran’s military and its capabilities.

Why is Iran’s military relevant right now?

Israeli officials had said they would respond to any attack by Iran with a counterattack, which could prompt further retaliation from Iran and possibly expand into a wider regional war. There is even a chance that a conflict of that sort could drag in the United States, although Washington has made clear it had nothing to do with the Damascus attack.

Analysts say that Iran’s adversaries, primarily the United States and Israel, have avoided direct military strikes on Iran for decades, not wishing to tangle with Tehran’s complex military apparatus. Instead, Israel and Iran have been engaged in a long shadow war via air, sea, land and cyberattacks, and Israel has covertly targeted military and nuclear facilities inside Iran and killed commanders and scientists.

“There is a reason Iran has not been struck,” said Afshon Ostovar, an associate professor of national security affairs at the Naval Postgraduate School and an expert on Iran’s military. “It’s not that Iran’s adversaries fear Iran. It’s that they realize any war against Iran is a very serious war.”

What sort of military threat does Iran pose?

The Iranian armed forces are among the largest in the Middle East, with at least 580,000 active-duty personnel and about 200,000 trained reserve personnel divided among the traditional army and the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, according to an annual assessment last year by the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

The army and the Guards each have separate and active ground, air and naval forces, with the Guards responsible for Iran’s border security. The General Staff of the Armed Forces coordinates the branches and sets the overall strategy.

The Guards also operate the Quds Force, an elite unit in charge of arming, training and supporting the network of proxy militias throughout the Middle East known as the “axis of resistance.” These militias include Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, militia groups in Syria and Iraq and Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza.

Power by Proxy: How Iran Shapes the Mideast

A guide to the armed groups that let Iran extend its influence throughout the region.

The commander in chief of Iran’s armed forces is the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the last word on all major decisions.

While the proxy militias are not counted as part of Iran’s armed forces, analysts say they are considered an allied regional force — battle ready, heavily armed and ideologically loyal — and could come to Iran’s aid if it was attacked.

“The level of support and types of systems Iran has provided for nonstate actors is really unprecedented in terms of drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles,” said Fabian Hinz, an expert on Iran’s military at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in Berlin. “They could be viewed as part of Iran’s military capability, especially Hezbollah, which has the closest strategic relationship with Iran.”

What kinds of weapons does Iran have?

For decades, Iran’s military strategy has been anchored in deterrence, emphasizing the development of precision and long-range missiles, drones and air defenses. It has built a large fleet of speedboats and some small submarines that are capable of disrupting shipping traffic and global energy supplies that pass through the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has one of the largest arsenals of ballistic missiles and drones in the Middle East, Mr. Ostovar said. That includes cruise missiles and anti-ship missiles, as well as ballistic missiles with ranges up to 2,000 kilometers, or more than 1,200 miles. These have the capacity and range to hit any target in the Middle East, including Israel.

In recent years, Tehran has assembled a large inventory of drones with ranges of around 1,200 to 1,550 miles and capable of flying low to evade radar, according to experts and Iranian commanders who have given public interviews to the state news media. Iran has made no secret of the buildup, displaying its trove of drones and missiles during military parades, and has ambitions to build a large export business in drones. Iran’s drones are being used by Russia in Ukraine and have surfaced in the conflict in Sudan.

The country’s bases and storage facilities are widely dispersed, buried deep underground and fortified with air defenses, making them difficult to destroy with airstrikes, experts say.

Where does Iran get its weapons?

International sanctions have cut Iran off from high-tech weaponry and military equipment manufactured abroad, like tanks and fighter jets.

During Iran’s eight-year war with Iraq in the 1980s, few countries were willing to sell weapons to Iran. When Ayatollah Khamenei became Iran’s supreme leader in 1989, a year after the war ended, he commissioned the Guards to develop a domestic weapons industry and poured resources into the effort, which was widely reported in the Iranian news media. He wanted to assure that Iran would never again have to rely on foreign powers for its defense needs.

Today, Iran manufactures a large quantity of missiles and drones domestically and has prioritized that defense production, experts said. Its attempts to make armored vehicles and large naval vessels have met with mixed results. It also imports small submarines from North Korea while expanding and modernizing its domestically produced fleet .

How do other countries see Iran’s military, and what are its weaknesses?

Iran’s military is viewed as one of the strongest in the region in terms of equipment, cohesion, experience and quality of personnel, but it lags far behind the power and sophistication of the armed forces of the United States, Israel and some European countries, experts said.

Iran’s greatest weakness is its air force. Much of the country’s aircraft date from the era of Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, who led Iran from 1941 to 1979, and many have been disabled for lack of spare parts. The country also bought a small fleet from Russia in the 1990s, experts said.

Iran’s tanks and armored vehicles are old, and the country has only a few large naval vessels, experts said. Two intelligence gathering vessels, t he Saviz and Behshad, deployed on the Red Sea, have aided the Houthis in identifying Israeli-owned ships for attacks, American officials have said.

Will Israel’s attack disrupt Iran’s military?

The assassinations of the senior military officials are expected to have a short-term impact on Iran’s regional operations, having eliminated commanders with years of experience and relationships with the heads of the allied militias.

Nevertheless, the chain of command for the armed forces inside Iran remains intact, experts say.

An earlier version of this article misstated the name of a group in the Gaza Strip. It is Palestinian Islamic Jihad, not Islamic Palestinian Jihad.

How we handle corrections

Farnaz Fassihi is the United Nations bureau chief for The Times, leading coverage of the organization, and also covers Iran and the shadow war between Iran and Israel. She is based in New York. More about Farnaz Fassihi

Iran launches drones towards Israel after earlier threatening retaliation for consulate strike

Iran has launched hundreds of drones and missiles towards Israel in an attack that may trigger a major escalation between the regional archenemies.

Sirens wailed and journalists in Israel said they heard distant heavy thuds and bangs from what local media called aerial interceptions of explosive drones.

Israel's military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said Iran launched dozens of ground-to-ground missiles at Israel, most of which were intercepted outside Israeli borders.

They included more than 10 cruise missiles, he said.

The Iranian salvo amounted to more than 300 drones and missiles so far, Mr Hagari said, and had caused light damage to one Israeli military facility.

Iran had vowed retaliation for what it called an Israeli strike on its Damascus consulate on April 1 that killed seven military officers including two senior commanders and said its strike was a punishment for "Israeli crimes".

"Should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran's response will be considerably more severe," the Iranian mission to the United Nations said.

In a statement carried late Saturday by Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency, the country’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard acknowledged launching "dozens of drones and missiles towards the occupied territories and positions of the Zionist regime".

Iran's Revolutionary Guard issued a direct warning to the US in a later statement: “The terrorist US government is warned any support or participation in harming Iran’s interests will be followed by decisive and regretting response by Iran’s armed forces."

Hundreds of Iranians gathered in Tehran's Palestine Square waving Iranian and Palestinian flags to celebrate the unprecedented military action against Israel.

Israel had put its military on high alert and called off school trips and other youth activities in preparation.

A number of drones were seen flying from the direction of Iran over Iraq's Sulaymaniyah province, three security sources told Reuters on Saturday.

"Dozens of drones were spotted flying from Iran in the direction of Israel over Iraqi airspace," two Iraqi security sources also told Reuters.

Jordan's air defences were ready to intercept and shoot down any Iranian drones or aircraft that violate its airspace, two regional security sources said, adding the army was also in a state of high alert and radar systems were monitoring drone activity.

The United States confirmed Iran began an airborne attack against Israel and said it is likely to unfold over a number of hours.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country's "defensive systems are deployed; we are ready for any scenario, both defensively and offensively."

"We have determined a clear principle: Whoever harms us, we will harm them. We will defend ourselves against any threat and will do so level-headedly and with determination," he told people in a video message.

He also thanked the US for "standing alongside Israel, as well as the support of Britain, France and many other countries."

US President Joe Biden, who on Friday warned Iran against attacking Israel after saying such a scenario appeared imminent, has pledged to stand with Israel against Iran, the White House said.

Israel and Iran have been on a collision course throughout Israel's six-month war against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.

The war erupted after Hamas and Islamic Jihad, two militant groups backed by Iran, carried out a cross-border attack on October 7 that killed 1,200 people in Israel and kidnapped 250 others.

Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed at least 33,686 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry. 

Explosives-laden drones

A retired Israeli general, Amos Yadlin, told the Israel's Channel 12 TV that the Iranian drones were equipped with 20kg (44 pounds) of explosives each.

Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari said a handful of missiles managed to land in Israel.

Rescuers said one strike critically injured a seven-year-old girl in a Bedouin Arab town in southern Israel.

The official IRNA news agency said the attack had dealt "heavy blows" to an air base in the Negev desert, but the Israeli army said there had only been minor damage.

Mr Netanyahu convened the Israeli war cabinet at military headquarters in Tel Aviv, his office said early on Sunday.

"This is a severe and dangerous escalation. Our defensive and offensive capabilities are at the highest level of readiness ahead of this large-scale attack from Iran," said Israel's military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari.

Channel 12 TV cited an unnamed Israeli official as saying there would be a "significant response" to the attack.

Israel's military said it was sounding sirens in locations throughout the country early on Sunday.

Blasts were heard in the skies above Jerusalem early on Sunday, AFP journalists said.

People in Jerusalem sought cover, as residents also stockpiled water.

"As you can see it's empty, everybody is running home," said Eliyahu Barakat, a 49-year-old grocery shop owner in Jerusalem's Mamilla neighbourhood.

Biden says US helped Israel down 'nearly all' Iranian drones

US President Joe Biden said on Saturday American forces helped take down "nearly all" the Iranian drones and missiles fired at Israel.

He added that he reaffirmed to Mr Netanyahu his "ironclad" support for Israel.

Mr Biden said in a statement he would convene his fellow leaders of the G7 group of wealthy nations on Sunday to coordinate a "united diplomatic response" to Iran's "brazen" attack.

"Iran — and its proxies operating out of Yemen, Syria and Iraq — launched an unprecedented air attack against military facilities in Israel. I condemn these attacks in the strongest possible terms," Mr Biden said.

He said he had ordered US military aircraft and ballistic missile defence destroyers to the Middle East in recent days as the likely Iranian threat to Israel became clear.

"Thanks to these deployments and the extraordinary skill of our service members, we helped Israel take down nearly all of the incoming drones and missiles," Mr Biden said.

The Israeli military later said it was not advising any residents to prepare to take shelter, revising an earlier alert and appearing to signal an end to the threat.

Airspaces shut down

Iraq also announced shutting down its airspace and suspending all air traffic on Saturday, Iraq's transport ministry told the country's state-owned news agency.

Jordan's airspace has been reopened after it was closed down ahead o f the attack to all incoming, departing and transit aircraft.

Residents in several cities in the northern part of the country near Syria and central and southern areas heard heavy aerial activity. A security source said the country's air force was intensifying reconnaissance flights.

Israel closed its airspace as a precaution, and later reopened it on Sunday morning, warning travellers the flight schedule would still be affected. 

Syria put on high alert its Russian-made Pantsir ground-to-air defence systems around the capital Damascus and major bases in the event of an Israeli strike, army sources said.

They said they expected Israel would retaliate against army bases and installations where pro-Iranian militia were based after Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards said they launched dozens of drones and missiles against specific targets in Israel.

Lebanon's Al Jadeed TV also said the country has closed its airspace.

Iranian Defence Minister Mohammad Reza Ashtiani warned that Tehran would firmly respond to any country that "opens its airspace or territory for attacks on Iran by Israel", Iran's semi-official Mehr news agency reported on Sunday.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Saturday he condemned Iran's "reckless" attack against Israel, which he said showed "intent on sowing chaos in its own backyard".

"These strikes risk inflaming tensions and destabilising the region," Sunak said in a statement.

The Egyptian foreign ministry, in a statement early on Sunday, called for the exercise of "utmost restraint" to spare the region and its people from further factors of instability and tension.

Iran seized cargo ship

The drone attack came shortly after Iran's Revolutionary Guards seized an Israeli-linked cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, days after Tehran said it could close the key trade route.

Iran's state-run IRNA news agency reported that a Guards helicopter had boarded and taken into Iranian waters the Portuguese flagged MSC Aries, saying it was linked to Israel.

MSC, which operates the Aries, confirmed Iran had seized the ship and said it was working "with the relevant authorities" for its safe return and the wellbeing of its 25 crew.

MSC leases the Aries from Gortal Shipping, an affiliate of Zodiac Maritime, Zodiac said in a statement, adding that MSC is responsible for all the vessel's activities.

Zodiac is partly owned by Israeli businessman Eyal Ofer.

Video on Iranian news channels purporting to show the seizure included a figure abseiling from a helicopter on to a ship. Reuters was able to verify that the ship in the video was the MSC Aries but not the date it was recorded.

An Indian government official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to brief to journalists, said 17 of the crew were Indians.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz accused Tehran of piracy.

Reuters/ABC

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Iran attacks Israel with over 300 drones, missiles: What you need to know

Iran has launched a massive aerial attack on Israel, two weeks after a deadly strike on its consulate in Syria.

Iran unleashed a barrage of missiles and drones  on Saturday and during the early hours of Sunday, targeting Israel in retaliation for last week’s suspected Israeli strike on its consulate in Damascus that killed 13 people.

Here is what happened, and what analysts say could happen next.

What happened in Israel and when?

• Iran launched a massive aerial attack on Israel, two weeks after a suspected Israeli strike on its consulate in Syria. This marks the first-ever direct attack by Iran on Israeli territory from Iranian soil. Iran called the attack Operation True Promise.
• The attack began on Saturday night around 20:00 GMT. It lasted approximately five hours, according to US officials.
• During the attack, explosions were heard in cities across Israel, including Tel Aviv. The explosions were also heard in Jerusalem, and air raid sirens sounded in more than 720 locations as Israeli forces sought to shoot down the projectiles.
• Israel’s chief military spokesman, Daniel Hagari, said Iran’s attack involved more than 120 ballistic missiles, 170 drones, and more than 30 cruise missiles, according to a report by The Associated Press news agency.
• The Israeli military also said that the vast majority of the projectiles were intercepted outside the country’s borders, with help from the United States, the United Kingdom and France. Jordan also shot down some of the missiles aimed at Israel as they were flying through Jordanian airspace.
• Israel’s military added that a “small number of hits were identified”. In a base located in southern Israel, “minor damage occurred to the infrastructure”.
• A seven-year-old girl was also severely injured by missile fragments, while other patients sustained minor injuries and some were treated for anxiety.
• US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Saturday that the US also intercepted “dozens” of missiles and drones launched at Israel from Iraq, Syria and Yemen.

Where exactly did the attacks take place?

• During the attack, Israel’s military ordered residents in the northern Israeli-occupied Golan Heights – near the Syrian and Lebanese borders – and in the southern cities of Nevatim, Dimona and Eilat to remain near bomb shelters.
• Nevatim is the site of an Israeli airbase, while Dimona has a nuclear reactor on the outskirts. Eilat is Israel’s southern Red Sea port, which has suffered from a sharp decline in operations because of repeated attacks by Yemen’s Houthis on ships passing through the waterway.

Why did Iran attack Israel?

• Iran’s attack is a retaliation for a suspected Israeli strike that killed an Iranian military commander, Major-General Mohammad Reza Zahed , in Damascus on April 1. He was killed along with six other Iranian nationals, including another general. At least six Syrian citizens were also killed.
• “It seems that Iranian leaders are determined to take action, but also [be] seen to take action,” David Des Roches, an associate professor at the National Defense University in Washington, DC, told Al Jazeera.
• “What that indicates to me is that there are considerations of pride and prestige that are divorced from strategy and tactical utility that may indicate a more dangerous era than we thought,” he added.
• Hezbollah, a Lebanese armed group backed by Iran, and the Israeli military have been trading attacks across the Lebanon-Israel border since October 8, the day after the Hamas-led attack in southern Israel and Israel’s brutal retaliation on the besieged Gaza Strip. Since then, more than 330 people in Lebanon have been killed in Israeli attacks, including at least 66 civilians. Hezbollah attacks have killed at least 18 people on the Israeli side, 12 soldiers and six civilians.
• On Saturday, Iranian state media announced that the the country’s armed forced had seized an Israel-linked container ship near the Strait of Hormuz.

What is the Israeli government saying?

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country “will win”, in a tweet after the attacks. Earlier, he spoke to the nation, stating that the military was prepared for any scenario.  

• “Citizens of Israel, in recent years, and especially in recent weeks, Israel has been preparing for a direct attack by Iran,” Netanyahu said.
• “Our defensive systems are deployed; we are ready for any scenario, both defensively and offensively. The State of Israel is strong. The [Israeli army] is strong. The public is strong.” He also thanked his allies, including the US and UK, for “standing alongside” Israel.
• “We have determined a clear principle: Whoever harms us, we will harm them. We will defend ourselves against any threat and will do so level-headedly and with determination,” he added.
• After the attack was over, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said that the attack had been “blocked”.
• “The Iranian attack was blocked in the most impressive way, together with our partners, the Americans and others… The entire world saw today who is Iran – a country of terror,” Gallant added.

What is the Iranian government saying?

• Iran warned Israel of any response.  The Iranian armed forces chief of staff, Major-General Mohammad Bagheri, told state TV that if Israel retaliates, Iran’s response would be “much larger” than the overnight bombardment, according to a Reuters report.

Iran also warned Washington that backing Israeli retaliation would lead to the targeting of US bases.

Earlier, Iran’s mission to the UN cited the UN Charter provision for self-defence, under Article 51, and said that the country considered “the matter … concluded”, its permanent mission at the United Nations said on X.

• “The matter can be deemed concluded. However, should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran’s response will be considerably more severe. It is a conflict between Iran and the rogue Israeli regime, from which the US MUST STAY AWAY!”
• President Ebrahim Raisi issued a statement hailing the “brave men” of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) who “taught a lesson to the Zionist regime”.

Conducted on the strength of Article 51 of the UN Charter pertaining to legitimate defense, Iran’s military action was in response to the Zionist regime’s aggression against our diplomatic premises in Damascus. The matter can be deemed concluded. However, should the Israeli… — Permanent Mission of I.R.Iran to UN, NY (@Iran_UN) April 13, 2024

What is the latest on the ground?

• There has been a downgrading of the Home Front Command’s alert level for Israelis around the country, telling them they no longer have to be around shelters. The Home Front Command said the immediate danger had passed.
• In Tehran, hundreds of supporters of the government gathered in the middle of the night to celebrate the strikes according to state media. They gathered at Palestine Square and outside the UK embassy.
• Mehrabad airport in Tehran, along with airports in various other Iranian cities, have cancelled domestic flights until Monday morning, the semiofficial Mehr News Agency reported. The Israel Airports Authority said the country reopened its airspace as of 7:30am (04:30 GMT).
• On Sunday, Jordan, Iraq and Lebanon reopened their airspace after having closed it late on Saturday.
• Airlines based in the United Arab Emirates, including Emirates, Etihad Airways and flydubai, cancelled some flights and rerouted others following Iran’s attacks. Swiss International Air Lines also suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv.
• Russia’s Aeroflot announced that it had diverted its Saturday evening flight from Moscow to Tehran. The flight instead landed in Makhachkala in Russia’s Dagestan region.

What could come next for Iran, Israel and the region?

• “Analysts over the last couple of hours have been saying that Iran’s attack appears carefully calibrated , to make a point but not to cause so much damage that it escalates the situation into a wider conflict,” Al Jazeera’s Rory Challands said, reporting from occupied East Jerusalem.
• “The Israeli war cabinet has been authorised to respond in some way to Iran,” Challands said.
• According to Al Jazeera’s diplomatic editor James Bays, the US seemed to have had “some contact with Iran before this attack took place. Some of this may well have been choreographed to a degree”.
• “The Biden administration, ultimately it has lots of tools because the US is the main supplier of funds and weapons to Israel. President Biden hasn’t acted till now in a strong way over the war on Gaza, but remember what’s at stake here. Because if we do have an all-out war between Iran and Israel that will cause chaos in this region, and it will cause chaos beyond the Middle East,” Bays said.
• “The Americans are trying to praise Israel but behind the scenes, I’m sure the Biden administration … was not at all happy about the Iranian consulate attack in Damascus, because it knows Iran really had no alternative but to come up with some sort of response,” he added.

What are the international reactions so far?

• The aerial assault has drawn condemnation from Israel’s allies and warnings that it risked further escalation in the Middle East.
• President Joe Biden has made clear that the US will not participate in any offensive operations against Iran, according to a senior administration official. But they reiterated their support for Israel.
• “We do not seek conflict with Iran, but we will not hesitate to act to protect our forces and support the defence of Israel,” US Defense Secretary Austin said .
• The UN Security Council (UNSC) is also expected to hold an emergency meeting at 4pm New York time (20:00 GMT) on Sunday, Malta, the council’s current president, said. Israel’s permanent representative to the UN Gilad Erdan called Iran’s attack a “severe and dangerous escalation”.
• Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concern over the “military escalation” in the region and called for restraint from all parties.
• China also said it was deeply concerned about escalation adding that it was a “spillover of the Gaza conflict” and a ceasefire should be implemented without delay.
• India also expressed concern and called for an “immediate de-escalation, exercise of restraint, [and] stepping back from violence and return to the path of democracy.” The Ministry of External Affairs also stated that the embassies in the region were in close contact with the Indian community.
• The Group of Seven (G7) will hold a video conference on Sunday. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, whose country currently holds the G7 rotating presidency, said on X: “We express strong concern about a further destabilisation of the region and continue to work to avoid it.”

For more global reactions, follow our coverage here .