Screengrab from a video from the Ukrainian National Guard showing the use of a trench candle by Ukranian soldiers. (Photo: Ukraine National Guard / Via Defense Ministry of Ukraine)
Unconfirmed Stories Trending Across Non-Traditional Channels
Iran Unveils Zagros, Its First Advanced Intelligence Ship
Iran has introduced its first domestically produced signals intelligence (SIGINT) vessel, the Zagros, as part of a broader effort to bolster naval capabilities and protect key nuclear facilities. Announced through state media on Wednesday, the unveiling coincides with extensive nationwide military drills involving both the regular armed forces and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. (Read More)
Russia Launches Large-Scale Missile and Drone Barrage on Ukraine's Energy Infrastructure
Russia launched a barrage of missiles and drones targeting Ukrainian energy facilities on Wednesday. The attack followed Kyiv's massive overnight strike targeting Russian army factories and energy facilities. Ukrainian officials confirmed that critical infrastructure sites in multiple regions, including Kharkiv, Khmelnytsky, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Lviv, were targeted. (Read More)
Russian Soldiers Report Explosive Devices Hidden in Donated Trench Candles
Reports from Russian Telegram channels, and translated by WarTranslated on X , allege that some trench candles distributed to Russian soldiers contain hidden explosive devices. The channel warned soldiers to accept these items only from trusted sources, claiming that the candles are being tampered with at the manufacturing stage. (Read More)
Taiwan Sets Navy on Alert Amid Suspicions of Chinese Ship Involvement in Undersea Cable Damage
Taiwan will deploy its navy if needed to assist the coast guard in responding to suspicious activities near undersea communication cables, Defense Minister Wellington Koo said Thursday. The announcement comes as Taiwanese authorities investigate recent damage to a cable near Keelung Harbor, with suspicions that the Chinese-linked cargo ship, Shunxin39, was responsible. (Read More)
Germany Moves to Authorize Military to Shoot Down Drones Threatening Critical Infrastructure
The German government has proposed a new policy allowing the military to shoot down drones deemed a threat to critical infrastructure or public safety. The policy follows a series of drone sightings over sensitive locations, including the Manching air base in Bavaria, which houses a military aerodrome and is involved in Eurofighter jet development. (Read More)
Top Marine General Says Moving Marines From Okinawa To Guam ‘Puts Us Going The Wrong Way’ | Task & Purpose
Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Eric Smith has raised concerns about the strategic implications of relocating thousands of Marines from Okinawa, Japan, to Guam under a 2012 U.S.-Japan agreement. While the move aims to reduce the U.S. military footprint on Okinawa, Smith warned that it could weaken the U.S. position in the Indo-Pacific by moving forces further from the critical "first island chain," which includes Taiwan and other key areas potentially threatened by Chinese aggression. (Read More)
Anduril Industries to Build $1 Billion Hyperscale Manufacturing Facility in Ohio
American defense technology company, Anduril Industries, has announced plans to construct Arsenal-1, its first hyperscale manufacturing facility, in Columbus, Ohio. The $1 billion investment will produce tens of thousands of autonomous vehicles, sensors, and weapons annually, creating more than 4,000 direct jobs and thousands more in associated industries. (Read More)
FBI Removes Chinese-Backed PlugX Malware from Thousands of US Computers
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) have confirmed the successful removal of PlugX malware from over 4,258 U.S.-based computers in a court-authorized operation. According to the FBI and DOJ, the operation involved remotely accessing the infected computers to remove the malware files. (Read More)
China’s DJI, World’s Largest Drone Manufacturer, No Longer Blocks Flights Over Airports And Military Bases | Hunterbrook
DJI, the world’s leading drone manufacturer, has removed its geofencing technology in the U.S., shifting compliance responsibility to drone operators. Previously, the system restricted drones from entering FAA-designated no-fly zones, such as airports and emergency areas. Now, operators will only receive in-app alerts about restricted airspace. DJI claims this update aligns with regulatory trends, citing the FAA’s 2024 Remote ID requirement, which helps authorities track drones. (Read More)
Alert Line NSTR. Sam Havelock CEO, SOFX Are you a first time reader? Subscribe. A U.S. Army soldier assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, stands beside a Stryker to observe the Rio Grande River near Roma, Texas, June 12, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Sean Hoch) Armed Conflict Open-Source Reporting on Global Conflict POTUS Secretly OK’d Military Force Against Latin American Drug Cartels President Donald...
Alert Line NSTR. Sam Havelock CEO, SOFX Are you a first time reader? Subscribe. A screenshot from video released by Ukraine’s HUR “Prymary” unit shows an operation targeting a Russian air-defense radar installation concealed inside radio-transparent domes near the Crimean coast. The image captures a Nebo-SVU radar system under its dome moments before being struck by Ukrainian drones. (Source: HUR) Armed Conflict Open-Source Reporting on Global Conflict Ukrainian Drone Strike Destroys Russian...
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