Screenshot from new footage released by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) showing a Tupolev Tu-22 strategic bomber targeted by a Ukrainian explosive drone during Operation “Spiderweb.” The aircraft is partially covered with tires, a tactic used by Russian airbases in an attempt to confuse automated targeting systems. (Source: SBU)
Footage from Operation 'SpiderWeb' Shows Ukrainian Drones Striking Russian Tu-95s and A-50s
Ukraine’s main intelligence agency, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), released new video footage Wednesday of its long-range drone operation, codenamed “Spider Web,” showing strikes on four Russian airfields located thousands of kilometers inside Russian territory. (Read More)
US and Israel Backed Gaza Aid Program Pauses After Shootings
A U.S.- and Israeli-backed aid group suspended food distribution in Gaza on Wednesday after dozens of Palestinians were killed in a series of shootings near aid centers. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) said all sites would close for one day to “improve” operations. It said talks are ongoing with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to improve civilian safety and guidance near aid routes. (Read More)
New Study Estimates Nearly 1 Million Russian Casualties Since Ukraine Invasion Began
A new study estimates that nearly 1 million Russian soldiers have been killed or injured since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, marking it as one of the deadliest military campaigns in modern history. Published by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), the report states that as of June 4, Russia has suffered over 950,000 military casualties since launching its invasion on February 24, 2022. (Read More)
Israel Posts Record $14.7 Billion in Defense Exports in 2024
Israel’s defense exports reached an all-time high of $14.7 billion in 2024, a 13% increase from 2023, despite mounting international criticism over its military campaign in Gaza, the Defense Ministry announced Wednesday. Over half of the sales were to Europe, which accounted for 54% of all exports, a sharp rise from 35% the previous year. (Read More)
Raytheon Secures $1.1 Billion US Navy Contract for AIM-9X Missile Production
U.S. weapons manufacturer Raytheon announced on Wednesday that it is ramping up production of its widely used AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missile, with plans to deliver 2,500 units annually. The production boost is driven by a $1.1 billion contract awarded by the U.S. Navy. (Read More)
Partially Submerged North Korean Frigate Appears Upright Again In Satellite Image | TWZ
North Korea has righted its capsized Choi Hyun-class frigate following a failed May 21 launch, according to satellite imagery analyzed by 38 North. While the vessel is now upright, doubts remain about the extent of damage and the regime’s goal to restore it before this month’s Workers’ Party meeting. (Read More)
Three WWII US Bombs Discovered in Germany Successfully Defused After Major Evacuation
At least three unexploded US bombs from World War II were safely defused in Cologne on Wednesday following the largest evacuation Germany has seen since World War II. More than 20,000 residents, workers, and visitors were evacuated from central Cologne earlier on Wednesday after three unexploded World War II-era bombs—two weighing 20 tons and one 10 tons—were discovered on Monday during construction work at a shipyard in Deutz. (Read More)
Trump Says Putin Vows Response to Ukrainian Drone Attack on Russian Fighter Jets
President Donald Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin warned he “will have to respond” to Ukraine’s surprise drone strike on multiple Russian air bases, during a 75-minute phone call the two leaders held this week. Trump described the call as “a good conversation, but not a conversation that will lead to immediate peace.” (Read More)
Army Achieves 2025 Recruiting Goal Four Months Ahead of Schedule
The U.S. Army has reached its fiscal year 2025 recruiting goal of 61,000 active-duty soldiers, four months ahead of the September 30 deadline, the service announced on Tuesday. The figure 10% above the 55,000 recruits the Army aimed for last year. According to an army press release, the average number of contracts signed per day during this period surpassed last year’s figures by up to 56%. (Read More)
Alert Line NSTR. Sam Havelock CEO, SOFX Are you a first time reader? Subscribe. F-16 D Fighting Falcon of Israeli Air Force IAF ( Flight Video and Photo / Shutterstock.com) Armed Conflict Open-Source Reporting on Global Conflict Israel Hits Hezbollah Underground Drone Manufacturing Sites in Beirut Israel launched airstrikes Thursday on four locations in southern Beirut, targeting what it said were underground drone production facilities operated by Hezbollah. It was the first Israeli strike...
Alert Line NSTR. Sam Havelock CEO, SOFX Are you a first time reader? Subscribe. Screenshot from a video released by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) showing the moment an explosion hit the underwater pillars of the Crimean Bridge. (Source: SBU) Armed Conflict Open-Source Reporting on Global Conflict SBU Confirms Underwater TNT Strike on Crimean Bridge Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) said it damaged the Crimean Bridge early Tuesday using underwater explosives, the third such attack on the key...
Alert Line The SFA Chapter 78 Sentinel June 2025 issue is out! This month: celebrating our 2nd annual Valor Lunch, the real story of Air America, a preview of SFACON 2025 in Las Vegas, a review of Fire Support by Erik Lawrence, and a call to preserve your story with the Veterans History Project. Read it here. Sam Havelock CEO, SOFX Are you a first time reader? Subscribe. A Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) fighter provides security following the overthrow of Syrian government forces loyal to Bashar...