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F-35 Evades Houthi Missile During U.S. Operation Over Yemen

A U.S. F-35 stealth fighter jet was forced to take evasive action to avoid a surface-to-air missile fired by Houthi forces during a combat sortie over Yemen in April, a U.S. official confirmed to The War Zone. The incident reportedly occurred during Operation Rough Rider, the U.S.-led air campaign against Houthi military infrastructure. The report stated that several American fighter jets, including an F-35, were nearly struck by enemy fire in the opening weeks of the operation. (Read More)​

Estonia Fails to Stop Suspected Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker in Gulf of Finland

The Estonian Navy attempted to intercept the Gabonese-flagged oil tanker JAGUAR on Monday in the Gulf of Finland. According to Russian media reports and open-source trackers, the tanker was en route to the Russian port of Primorsk. Estonian patrol vessels EML Raju and EML Kurvits, supported by tactical aircraft, helicopters, and surveillance drones, attempted to redirect the vessel into Estonian territorial waters for inspection. (Read More)​

Deploying North Korean Special Forces to Japan: A Potential Game Changer in the Korean Crisis | SWJ

North Korea’s advancing nuclear and special operations capabilities are increasing the risk of a hybrid attack—combining a conventional invasion of South Korea with sabotage in Japan. These developments could disrupt U.S. military reinforcements and weaken regional deterrence. To counter this, closer Japan–South Korea intelligence sharing, joint training, and stronger nuclear security are urgently needed. (Read More)​​

China’s J-10C Gains Global Attention After Combat Use by Pakistan

China’s J-10C fighter jet reportedly saw its first combat use during recent clashes between India and Pakistan, with Pakistan deploying the jet alongside long-range PL-15 missiles. U.S. officials believe at least two Indian aircraft were likely hit. In the aftermath, Chinese state media spotlighted its unmanned, automated production line for the PL-15E export variant. (Read More)​

U.S. Reassesses Chinese-Made Solar Equipment After Hidden Devices Found

U.S. officials are investigating hidden communication modules found in Chinese-made solar inverters and batteries, raising concerns over potential remote access to the power grid. The Department of Energy is tightening oversight, while lawmakers and experts warn the components could be used to compromise critical infrastructure. Similar fears are spreading in Europe, where industry leaders are urging stricter cybersecurity standards on imported energy tech. (Read More)​

Defense Intelligence Agency Releases Missile Threat Assessment to U.S. Homeland

A new Defense Intelligence Agency assessment warns of growing missile threats to the U.S. homeland, including advancements in hypersonics, ICBMs, SLBMs, and orbital weapons. The assessment supports development of a national missile defense effort called “Golden Dome” aimed at countering these evolving capabilities over the next decade. (Read More)​

Trump Meets Former al-Qaeda Fighter Turned Syrian President in Riyadh

President Donald Trump met with Syrian interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh, marking the first U.S.-Syria talks at this level in 25 years. Al-Sharaa, once a senior figure in al-Qaeda’s Syrian affiliate, now heads a transitional government formed after Assad’s fall. Trump praised him as “tough” and reportedly urged him to join the Abraham Accords, expel foreign fighters, and take control of ISIS detention camps. (Read More)​

JSOC commander likely to be SOCOM pick, sources say | Defense One

Vice Adm. Frank “Mitch” Bradley, a Navy SEAL and head of Joint Special Operations Command, is expected to be nominated to lead U.S. Special Operations Command, according to defense officials. Bradley, also in the running for Chief of Naval Operations, previously led SEAL Team Six and was among the first deployed to Afghanistan post-9/11. The White House has final say on the nomination. (Read More)​

An $8.4 Billion Chinese Hub for Crypto Crime Is Incorporated in Colorado | Wired

A Chinese-language Telegram network, operating under a legally registered U.S. company, has become a central hub for laundering cryptocurrency tied to global cybercrime—including romance scams, North Korean hacking, identity theft, harassment-for-hire, and sex trafficking. Despite its illicit activities, the group exploits legal and jurisdictional gaps to run a wide-ranging underground economy with minimal scrutiny. (Read More)​