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Ukraine’s SSO Shares Video Claiming FPV Drone Strike on Russian Ka-52

A Ukrainian Special Operations Forces unit claims to have downed a Russian Ka-52 “Alligator” attack helicopter in Russia’s Kursk region using an FPV drone. A video shared on Instagram shows a drone approaching the helicopter, though analysts note the footage lacks clear visual confirmation of a strike. Despite this, Ukrainian sources assert the helicopter was destroyed and one crew member killed, while Russia has not commented. (Read More)​

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IDF Airstrikes Hit Houthi Ports, Aiming to Disable Supply Routes

The Israel Defense Forces carried out airstrikes on Houthi-controlled ports in Yemen early Friday, targeting what it described as infrastructure used to facilitate attacks on Israeli and international vessels. Fighter jets struck the Red Sea ports of Hodeidah, Al-Salif, and Ras Isa, as part of a broader response to recent Houthi missile and drone launches, including one that landed near Ben Gurion Airport. (Read More)​

Ukraine Loses Third F-16 as Pilot Ejects During Night Mission to Repel Russian Air Attack

A Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet was lost during a night combat mission early Friday, marking the third known loss of the U.S.-made aircraft in Ukraine’s war with Russia. The pilot safely ejected after reportedly downing three Russian air targets and is in stable condition, according to Ukraine’s Air Force. An investigation is underway, with officials not yet confirming whether the cause was mechanical failure, enemy fire, or friendly fire. (Read More)​​

Pentagon Launches Urgent Push for “Low-Collateral” Counter-Drone Systems to Protect U.S. Bases

The Pentagon is seeking rapidly deployable, low-collateral counter-drone systems to defend U.S. military bases from evolving small drone threats. A new solicitation under the “Replicator 2” program calls for technologies that can neutralize drones without harming civilians or critical infrastructure. The push follows recent security lapses, including a 2023 drone incident over Langley Air Force Base that exposed gaps in current defenses. (Read More)​

Russians Field Sawn-Off Shotgun Attachment For Consumer Quadcopters | Forbes

Russian forces have introduced a simple shotgun mount for drones, using household pipe clips and disposable fiberglass-reinforced tubes to fire 12-gauge cartridges. Unlike Ukraine’s dual-cartridge recoil-canceling system, the Russian design ejects the firing tube after use, avoiding recoil entirely. Its low-tech, easy-to-replicate build could enable rapid field adoption across units. (Read More)​

​​How China’s Tech Giants Wired the Gulf | DefenseOne

Chinese tech giants are rapidly wiring the Gulf’s digital infrastructure, embedding cloud services, 5G networks, and AI surveillance into Saudi, Emirati, and Qatari cities. Under the banner of China’s “Digital Silk Road 2.0,” these systems now operate near key U.S. military bases, raising concerns about intelligence security and strategic leverage. (Read More)​

Trump Says U.S. Has Proposed Nuclear Deal to Iran, Warns of Consequences for Delay

President Trump confirmed Friday that the U.S. has offered Iran a new nuclear proposal, warning Tehran to act swiftly or face consequences. Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi denied receiving any formal offer and criticized what he called “confusing and contradictory” messaging from Washington. As tensions rise, both sides remain publicly at odds over key issues, including uranium enrichment and U.S. sanctions. (Read More)​

Officials Probe Inside Help in Mass Escape from New Orleans Jail

A manhunt is underway after 10 inmates escaped from the Orleans Parish Justice Center overnight in what officials described as a coordinated breach likely aided from inside. The inmates broke through a wall behind a toilet using tools, then exited through a dock door and scaled a perimeter fence before fleeing across I-10. Authorities say several escapees face serious charges, including murder, and federal agencies are now assisting in the search. (Read More)​

Trump Administration Considered Plan to Relocate Palestinians from Gaza to Libya, NBC Reports

The Trump administration reportedly considered a plan to relocate up to one million Palestinians from Gaza to Libya, according to NBC News, though the U.S. State Department has denied the claim. Sources said the proposal involved unfreezing billions in Libyan assets and was discussed with Libyan leadership. (Read More)​