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SIGNIFICANT ACTIVITIES

Meta Tested Pentagon Contractor’s Facial Recognition on Smart Glasses, Report Says

Meta has tested the facial recognition software from Rank One Computing, a Denver-based Pentagon contractor, for use in its smart glasses, according to a Wired report.

The firm provides facial recognition systems to U.S. military and law enforcement, including U.S. Special Operations Command and the U.S. Marshals Service. Meta’s license for Rank One includes facial recognition and “liveness detection” capable of distinguishing real faces from photos or masks. (Read More)

Video Captures Russian Nuclear-Capable Bomber Nosediving Into Siberian Ground

Videos circulating on social media show a Russian Tu-22M3 strategic bomber plunging into the ground near Svirsk in the Irkutsk region during a training flight. All four crew members ejected and survived.

Russia’s defense ministry said a preliminary investigation suggests engine failure caused the crash. Officials have not released additional details, and an investigation is ongoing. (Read More)

Russia Building Military Infrastructure for 115,000 Troops Along NATO's Northern Flank

Russia is reportedly building new military barracks, ammunition depots, and equipment concentrations along its borders with Norway and Finland, with capacity to house up to 115,000 troops.

The Petsamo base near Norway is among the sites undergoing expansion to accommodate 17,000 personnel, up from about 7,000. Additional construction has been observed at Petrozavodsk, Sapyorny, Luga, and Baltiysk. NATO officials say the buildup could support a large-scale confrontation with the alliance following a potential ceasefire in Ukraine. (Read More)

StreamCaster NEXUS Tactical Networking System: Minimize Weight. Maximize Operator Freedom

Purpose-built for the dismounted operator, StreamCaster NEXUS seamlessly pairs the ultra-slim SM5200 MANET radio with Samsung's mission-ready EUD to deliver mission-critical connectivity and real-time situational awareness at the tactical edge. Custom designed Juggernaut chest-mount features streamlined, snag-free cable routing that minimizes weight and maximizes operator freedom.

With access to ATAK and other mission apps, operators gain geospatial intelligence, mission planning tools and can manage radio and network configurations through the StreamScape ATAK plug-in. Available access to Spectrum Dominance 2.0 – Silvus' ever-expanding suite of LPI/LPD, Anti-Jam and Advanced Threat Protection capabilities – ensures secure and protected communications in EW contested environments.

Multiple I/O connectors, Dual PTT, dedicated RoIP interface and Nett Warrior unified power options combine to make StreamCaster NEXUS an operator-focused, next-generation tactical networking system, engineered for today's dynamically changing battlespace.

Experience next-generation tactical networking with StreamCaster NEXUS.

Learn More →

QUICK UPDATES

CONFLICT UPDATES

➤ A Russian drone strike set fire to the Dormition Cathedral at the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, one of Ukraine's most sacred religious sites, during an overnight barrage that killed at least 11 across the country and wounded 53. (Read More)

➤ Eight crew members were killed when a B-52 bomber crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base in California during a routine test mission on Monday. The airfield, which was briefly closed following the crash, reopened later in the day. The cause of the crash is under investigation. (Read More)

➤ The Navy plans to fly P-8A Poseidon reconnaissance missions from Wake Island this summer, reviving the World War II-era Pacific outpost for two 60-day deployments supporting the Japan-based 7th Fleet's surveillance operations. (Read More)

SECURITY UPDATES

➤ Britain announced a ban on social media for users under 16, covering TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, and X. Legislation is expected to pass before Christmas with enforcement beginning in early 2027. (Read More)

➤ A federal law setting standards for government data centers is set to expire at the end of September 2026 with no clear replacement in place. Passed in 2023, the law requires federal agencies to follow guidelines on cybersecurity, energy efficiency, and sustainability when building or upgrading data centers. (Read More)

➤ The U.S. Africa Command has deployed troops to central Kenya to help construct an Ebola quarantine facility intended to house American personnel, as part of a $220 million U.S. State Department-led effort to address the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. (Read More)

TECHNOLOGY UPDATES

➤ A sensor-laden, blacked-out Mitsubishi minivan with no markings was photographed near Japan's Fuji firepower exercise on June 7, fueling speculation about a covert unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) test. Japan's 2026 defense budget allocated $42 million for an AI-driven UGV program. (Read More)

➤ Nearly a dozen A-10C Warthogs that arrived at RAF Lakenheath carried mission markings from Middle East operations against Iranian targets, along with extensive nose art featuring Nintendo and Super Smash Bros. characters, including King Dedede, Fox, Diddy Kong, Samus, Sephiroth and Kirby. (Read More)

➤ Russian firearms manufacturer Kalashnikov has unveiled a compact single-shot 12-gauge shotgun designed to counter small drones, but Russian war bloggers mocked the weapon, with one remarking that it would “probably only shoot yourself.” The company also introduced new multi-projectile cartridges intended for engaging aerial targets. (Read More)

Engineered to Perform Where It Matters Most

What sets MilDef apart is how our products are designed from the ground up for real operational environments. Our rugged computing platforms are purpose built for defense applications, engineered for long term reliability and seamless integration across mission platforms.

From hardware architecture to lifecycle support, MilDef focuses on durability, stability, and operational readiness. The result is technology that performs predictability in extreme conditions and remains sustainable over time, reducing risk and supporting mission success.

Learn More →

SPECIAL CATEGORY

➤ The White House imposed export controls on Anthropic's Mythos AI model partly over suspicions that a China-linked group had accessed it, according to a report from Semafor. Anthropic is now meeting with officials to resolve the restrictions.

➤ The FCC’s proposal to require telecom companies to collect information from all customers, including government-issued IDs and addresses, could effectively eliminate burner phones and anonymous phone access. 404 Media warns the changes could have an impact on vulnerable groups such as domestic abuse survivors, low-income users, and journalists.

➤ A 21-year-old woman in Brazil died after bungee jump staff threw her from a 130-foot bridge without a safety cord attached. A witness spotted the rope left on the ground. Three employees were arrested and charged with homicide.

On this day in history: On June 16, 1775, the Continental Congress appointed George Washington as commander in chief of the Continental Army, unifying the colonial militias under a single command for the first time. Washington, a Virginia planter and French and Indian War veteran, would lead the fledgling force for eight years through the Revolutionary War.

SENTIMENT COLLECTION

How do you feel about the spread of Flock cameras in cities nationwide?

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Yesterday’s Results:

Are you concerned about Google's new default setting that uses your data to train AI?

Yes (89.9%)
No (7.4%)
Unsure (2.7%)

n=664

Have a question you would like polled? Email us at editor@sofx.com

HALO: Fielded, Resilient Communications for Drone Dominance

Elsight’s HALO multilink connectivity platform enables resilient, beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) operations in GNSS-denied and electronically contested environments by fusing diverse communication paths into a single, self-healing network.

This ensures uninterrupted command, control, and real-time data flow for ISR, targeting, and autonomous swarm coordination, capabilities central to the Drone Dominance program. Halo’s low SWaP profile supports Group 1–3 UAS as well as larger platforms, extending mission endurance without sacrificing payload capacity. By delivering consistent connectivity where traditional links fail, HALO enhances operational tempo, survivability, and mission success across distributed, multi-domain operations.

HALO is TRL 9, BlueUAS-listed, cybersecure, and NDAA-compliant, with over 500,000 contested operational hours across active U.S. and allied military programs, including demonstrated success with DIU and SOCOM initiatives.

Learn more about Halo →

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About SOFX: We are an independent media and communications technology company reporting on the conflicts, security, and technology issues impacting your lives and businesses. SOFX was founded by former special operations & intelligence professionals, not career journalists or Big Tech / Big Media.

Have feedback for us? We want to hear any and all comments you may have. Contact us at editor@sofx.com.

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