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U.S. Marines conduct a maritime interdiction training exercise in the Pacific Ocean, Aug. 21, 2026. (Credit: U.S. Marine Corps)

SIGNIFICANT ACTIVITIES

Somebody Has to Sign the Order

SOFX founder Sam Havelock writes in an editorial that as Washington and Beijing talk about managing AI, the safeguards that matter most are built not at summits but at the analyst's desk.

A hotline between capitals is only the last line of defense, he writes. The stronger safeguard, after an AI-assisted report nearly sent US forces to board a Chinese ship this spring, is a named human who signs off before a machine's guess becomes an order. (Read More)

CIA Warned Europe of Possible Russian Drone Strikes From Mediterranean Vessels

The CIA warned several European countries of a suspected Russian plan to launch Gerbera-type drones from commercial vessels in the Mediterranean against targets in Spain, France or Italy, El Mundo reported Thursday.

French and Italian officials denied receiving the warning. Separately, Denmark’s intelligence service warned that Russia could intensify hybrid attacks against NATO countries in the coming months. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte urged calm, saying the alliance is prepared to handle rising sabotage and drone incidents. (Read More)

F-35 Parts Bound for Repair Ended Up in Chinese Hands, Report Says

The F-35 parts that were diverted to Hong Kong in May are now in the hands of Chinese authorities, Bloomberg reported, although the Pentagon has not confirmed the report.

The parts, reportedly associated with the F-35’s canopy and weapons-bay door, came from Australia and were intended to be shipped to the U.S. for inspection and possible repair. Officials later discovered that they had been diverted to Hong Kong. The Pentagon confirmed the shipment issue and said officials are “actively working” to retrieve the components. (Read More)

You Built the Company. Make the Exit Count.

Union Pier Capital is the investment bank for privately held defense and government businesses, too large for a broker, too small for a bulge-bracket firm. Founded by entrepreneurs who have built and sold their own companies, the firm has closed 53 defense and government transactions totaling $1.3 billion, part of 300-plus deals worth over $11 billion. From full-service M&A advisory to enterprise valuation, Union Pier runs the process so owners stay focused on the mission. Considering a sale, a raise, or simply your options?

Schedule a Consultation →

QUICK UPDATES

CONFLICT UPDATES

➤ A U.S. Army captain became the 19th American service member to die in the war with Iran. According to the U.S. Army, Capt. Bianca Wilkerson, 37, died in a noncombat-related medical incident aboard a flight to Saudi Arabia. She was posthumously promoted to major. (Read More)

➤ Britain has agreed to deploy an RAF Voyager tanker to refuel Saudi fighter jets conducting defensive operations against Houthi attacks in Yemen. It marks the first known foreign military support received by Saudi Arabia in its fight against the Houthis. (Read More)

➤ Ukraine has transferred two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea after they were captured while fighting alongside Russian forces in Russia’s Kursk region, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Wednesday. South Korea has not confirmed the transfer, citing privacy and security concerns. (Read More)

SECURITY UPDATES

➤ An OpenAI-powered agent hacked an Australian Medicare data portal and accessed three other government websites, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Thursday. No personal medical information was compromised. OpenAI acknowledged the incident, saying its models took actions it “did not intend.” (Read More)

➤ Five Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers were charged with allegedly misusing Flock automated license plate reader cameras to track women, ex-spouses and other people for personal reasons. An internal audit uncovered the abuse, and prosecutors said additional charges could follow. (Read More)

➤ Eight sailors across the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group attempted suicide during its 286-day deployment supporting the Iran war, Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao said. The disclosure follows reports of sailors attempting to jump overboard amid concerns over food shortages and deteriorating living conditions aboard the carrier. (Read More)

TECHNOLOGY UPDATES

➤ The U.S. Army landed an MH-47G Chinook on an uncrewed Sea Machines barge, marking the first publicly disclosed test of its kind. The demonstration showed the barge can support helicopter landing and resupply operations. (Read More)

➤ The U.S. Army selected Vulcan Elements to supply rare earth magnets for its SkyFoundry drone program, which aims to produce 1 million small drones annually. The company has not disclosed how many magnets it can supply or when production will reach the Army’s target scale. It currently operates a facility in North Carolina. (Read More)

➤ The U.S. Special Operations Command is rolling out a nutrition app that will connect more than 18,000 commandos with up to 55 dietitians. The platform will work with troops and dining facilities to create personalized, mission-specific meal plans aimed at improving troop performance and combat effectiveness. (Read More)

Wall Street Outcomes. Main Street Service.

When it is time to sell or recapitalize a defense or government business, the right advisor changes the outcome. Union Pier Capital delivers institutional-quality M&A advisory and valuation for privately held companies, 300-plus transactions, over $11 billion closed. Owners engage at the decisions that matter while the firm runs the process. See what your company is worth.

Schedule a Consultation →

SPECIAL CATEGORY

➤ Fat Bear Week has begun in Alaska, with 16 brown bears from Katmai National Park competing in an online tournament for the title of fattest bear. Last year’s 1,200-pound champion, Chunk, is returning to defend his title. The winner will be announced on Sept. 29.

➤ A six-foot humanoid robot from robotics company REK faced influencer Frankie LaPenna in what organizers called the first human-versus-robot MMA fight. A 44-second viral clip showed the robot repeatedly kicking LaPenna before knocking him across the ring. REK later said LaPenna continued fighting and ultimately defeated the remotely-controlled robot.

➤ Anthropic’s Claude AI identified a previously unknown biological system that resembles the gene-editing technology behind CRISPR. Researchers have yet to determine its function or whether it can edit genes. The discovery highlights how AI can help scientists sift through vast amounts of data and contribute to new biological discoveries.

On this day in history: On September 25th, 1983, 38 Provisional IRA prisoners staged the largest prison escape in British history, seizing control of H-Block 7 at the Maze prison near Belfast with smuggled guns.

SENTIMENT COLLECTION

Will humans set foot on Mars in your lifetime?

Yes

Unsure

Yesterday's Results:

Are aircraft carrier strike groups still effective in an age of hypersonic weapons?

Yes (86.7%)
Unsure (7.1%)
No (6.2%)

n=693

Have your own question you would like polled? Send it to us at editor@news.sofx.com or reply directly to this email.

Union Pier Capital gives owners of privately held defense businesses institutional-quality M&A and valuation guidance, 300-plus transactions, $11 billion closed. Wall Street outcomes with Main Street service.

Schedule a Consultation →

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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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