China, UAE to hold third air force drills as defense ties warm: What we know China and the United Arab Emirates are further deepening their defense and military ties with a third round of aerial exercises. United Arab Emirates
Turkey defense firms break record with $10B in revenues: SIPRI Turkey set a new record with five companies in the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute's Top 100 for 2024, which included nine Middle Eastern countries for the first time amid conflict-driven arms demand. Turkey
US approves $1.4B in military sales to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain: What to know An estimated $1 billion in foreign military sales will go to Saudi Arabia, and $445 million will go to Bahrain. United States
Trump says US will sell F-35s to Saudi Arabia, first Arab country to acquire jets The deal could rattle Washington's ties with Israel and is not likely to be approved by Congress unless conditioned on Saudi normalization of ties with Israel. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Turkey boosts R&D spending to $20B amid push for defense self-sufficiency By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Turkey, Kazakhstan sign joint production accord for drones Turkey and Kazakhstan agree on an enhanced strategic partnership during Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s first-ever state visit to Turkey . Turkey
Israel tests innovative, high-powered laser defense system Israel advances with the development of a laser-based missile interceptor system that should significantly change the balance of powers in the region. Israel
Analysis Lawmakers call for probe as arms purchasers target US-based dissidents Democratic lawmakers are seeking a congressional watchdog study on how the State Department is tracking extraterritorial harassment by countries that benefit from US security assistance or arms, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Middle East struggles against drones, despite billions in defense spending Military unmanned aircraft, both custom-designed and retrofitted, pose an increasing threat to security in the region, and states' defense capabilities have not kept up with advances in attack technology. By Elisabeth Gosselin-Malo
US approves $4.2 billion F-16 sale to Jordan, air defense systems to Gulf Lockheed Martin's THAAD air defense system marked its first successful combat shoot-downs during ballistic missile attacks on the UAE in recent weeks. Legacy: Gulf
Intel: Pentagon chief orders reform to civilian harm policies Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's initiative follows pressure from lawmakers and fruitless attempts at reform under the prior administration. Washington Pulse
Saudi business group touts plan to improve economic ties with Russia Russia is working to improve relations with Saudi Arabia and wants the kingdom to buy its S-400 missile defense system. Russia
Israeli Cabinet approves probe into submarine affair Defense Minister Benny Gantz marked an important victory with the government approving his long-standing proposal to establish a state inquiry commission on the "submarine affair." Israel
Moscow struggles to sell fighter jets in the Mideast With Egypt and Algeria reportedly backing out of plans to acquire Russian-made fighter jets, there is speculation Tehran could emerge as a potential buyer. Iran
US Navy tests laser weapon in Gulf of Aden The USS Portland fired the prototype laser at a floating training target, the Navy said in a statement. News Brief
Intel: UAE suspends F-35 talks over US security demands Emirati officials head to the Pentagon on Wednesday for two days of strategic talks with Washington. United Arab Emirates
