The Israeli Air Force released this image of a building it claims served as an Iranian military communications center operating under civilian cover. (Source: IDF via X)
Israeli Airstrike Targets Iranian State Television During Live Broadcast
An Israeli airstrike hit the building housing Iran’s state-run television during a live news broadcast on Monday, as the war entered its fourth day. The Islamic Republic of Iran News Network (IRINN) was broadcasting live when bombs struck the building. Dust and debris filled the studio, forcing news anchor Sahar Emami to flee the set. (Read More)
Azawad Separatists Kill Russian Mercenaries in Northern Mali Ambush
A convoy of Russian Africa Corps and Malian troops was ambushed by Azawad separatist fighters in northern Mali on Friday, resulting in the deaths of several Russian personnel and the destruction of multiple military vehicles, according to local reports. The Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) claimed responsibility for the attack, which occurred in the Kidal region. (Read More)
US Sends Dozens of Refueling Jets East Amid Israel-Iran Tensions
Dozens of U.S. Air Force refueling planes flew toward Europe on Monday as Israel and Iran continued exchanging attacks. Global flight tracking service Flightradar24 reported that around 30 KC-135R and KC-46A tankers from multiple U.S. bases departed on Sunday, heading east over the Atlantic. “The final destination is unknown,” Flightradar24 wrote on X. (Read More)
Israeli Air Force Drone Strike Targets Rare Iranian F-14 Tomcats
The Israeli Air Force (IAF) released footage showing two Iranian F-14 Tomcat fighter jets destroyed in a precision drone strike near Tehran, amid ongoing airstrikes between Israel and Iran. According to the IAF, the aircraft were targeted while parked outside Mehrabad International Airport, which is known to host MiG-29s and Su-24s. (Read More)
MBDA Unveils One-Way Drone, Eyeing 1,000 Unit A Month Production Rate | Breaking Defense
At the Paris Air Show, MBDA unveiled a low-cost, long-range one-way missile designed for mass deployment and air defense saturation. With a 500km range and 40kg warhead, it targets rapid production—1,000 units monthly—via an automotive partnership. First tests are planned for autumn, with batch delivery by 2027. (Read More)
France Covers Israeli Weapon Displays at Paris Air Show
France had covered the offensive weapons displays of five major Israeli defense firms at the Paris Air Show on Monday after Israel declined to comply with restrictions imposed by French authorities. According to a source cited by Politico, French authorities informed their Israeli counterparts weeks in advance that offensive weapons could not be displayed, citing concerns over Israel’s war in Gaza and rising regional tensions. (Read More)
US Cancels Diplomatic Talks With Russia, Moscow Says
Russia announced on Monday that the United States had canceled a scheduled round of talks aimed at restoring diplomatic ties. “As of today, the next round of bilateral consultations aimed at resolving complications and normalizing the work of both countries’ diplomatic missions has been canceled at the initiative of the American negotiators,” Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a brief statement on the Foreign Ministry’s website. (Read More)
IAEA Warns of Potential Contamination Following Israeli Strikes on Iran's Natanz Nuclear Site
The head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog said Monday that Israel’s airstrikes on Iran’s Natanz uranium enrichment site may have caused contamination inside the facility. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi stated that radiation poses a serious risk if uranium is inhaled or ingested. However, he emphasized that the danger can be effectively controlled with proper safety measures, including the use of respiratory protection inside the facilities. (Read More)
We Need a Marine Corps, Part I: A Corps in Crisis | War On The Rocks
The U.S. Marine Corps faces a slow but real existential threat rooted in two decades of declining relevance and cultural visibility. As debates over Force Design 2030 fade, the focus must shift to implementing Gen. Eric Smith’s vision, revitalizing the Marine Expeditionary Unit, and balancing innovation with core infantry capabilities. Without bold yet measured reform, the Corps risks becoming a redundant force in an era increasingly dominated by special operations and high-tech warfare. (Read More)
Alert Line NSTR. Sam Havelock CEO, SOFX Are you a first time reader? Subscribe. A F-15D Baz operated by the Israeli Air Force (IAF) which allegedly took part in Operation 'Rising Lion' in a photo released by the IDF (Source: IDF via X) Armed Conflict Open-Source Reporting on Global Conflict Israel and Iran Trade Missile Strikes for Third Day, Civilian Death Toll Rises Tensions between Israel and Iran escalated further on Sunday, marking the third consecutive day of cross-border missile...
Alert Line Last week, the economics of war profoundly shifted. Ukraine deployed 117 cheap commercially available drones to disable & destroy 1/3rd of Russia’s Strategic Bomber fleet. The loss in dollar terms to Russia? Estimated at $7Bn. Cost to the Ukraine? Likely less than $250,000, all in. If this isn’t a wake-up call regarding why we need defense acquisition reform, I don’t know what is. Sam Havelock CEO, SOFX Are you a first time reader? Subscribe. Screenshot from Israeli intelligence...
Alert Line NSTR. Sam Havelock CEO, SOFX Are you a first time reader? Subscribe. Israeli Air Force F-16 planes fly in formation over the Mediterranean Sea (LeonP / Shutterstock.com) Armed Conflict Open-Source Reporting on Global Conflict Israel Launches Airstrikes on Iran’s Nuclear Facilities and Command Centers Israel announced that it had launched coordinated strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities early Friday, in a major operation aimed at preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons....