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
Turkey grounds all C-130 military aircraft after Georgia crash kills 20 Authorities said the aircraft’s maintenance was up to date, no ammunition was on board and the investigation is ongoing. Turkey
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
What will Turkey gain from F-16 deal with United States? As Turkey’s long saga to purchase F-16 fighter jets and modernization kits is nearing completion, experts say Turkey's defense establishment will make additional gains from the deal. Turkey
Analysis Netanyahu’s arms complaints strain US ties, leave Israel exposed to Hezbollah Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's attack against the Biden administration for allegedly withholding arms deliveries exposes Israel’s vulnerability right now when tensions with Hezbollah run high. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
As Netanyahu protests, Blinken says Israel arms shipments moving 'normally' The top US diplomat said one shipment of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel's military remains under review, though most weapons shipments continue. Israel
As France bans it from Eurosatory, Israel says weapons exports at record high Following a decision by French President Emmanuel Macron, Israeli companies and their representatives were banned from attending the prestigious Eurosatory defense show in Paris. Israel
France to bar Israeli firms from Eurosatory defense expo The decision is due to French President Emmanuel Macron calls for a cease-fire in Gaza and will affect several Israel companies. Israel
Turkey's fastest drone plays key role locating Iran helicopter crash site The location of the helicopter crash site was identified by Turkey’s Akinci drone, according to Turkish officials, after Ankara sent teams to help Iran's search mission. Turkey
As wars rage, Turkey's military industry sees boom in fighter jets, drone sectors While the MMU Kaan that is slated to become Turkey’s first stealthy fifth-generation fighter is taking baby steps, other key Turkish military aviation projects have also begun attracting international attention. Turkey
Pentagon chief: No decision on unfreezing bombs shipment to Israel Senior Israeli officials have reportedly expressed "deep frustration" with the Biden administration over the decision, warning that the pause could jeopardize hostage talks underway in Cairo. Israel
Somalia strikes by Turkish drones killed 23 civilians, including children: Amnesty The international watchdog called on the governments of Somalia and Turkey to investigate the incidents for potential “war crimes.” Turkey
9% spike in Mideast military spending driven by Saudi Arabia, Israel, Turkey Military spending in the region increased by its largest percentage in a decade, in part due to the Gaza war, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Saudi Arabia
Turkey's military scorecard: Naval and aerial advances but lacks money, speed If Turkey wants to play in the "big leagues" with the United States, Russia and China, it has to provide its military-industrial complex with greater pace and resources. Turkey
Iran showcases Shahed drones, missiles at Qatar's defense exhibition This year’s Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference features Iranian drones, Russian warships and delegations from across Asia and Africa. Legacy: Gulf
