Turkey says Qatar Eurofighter jet deal still on track despite Iran war Ankara expects Doha to submit a draft sales contract for the fighter jets, as Turkey seeks to acquire aircraft that can be delivered sooner than its newly ordered Eurofighters. Turkey
Turkey sends Mecca defense pact with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan to parliament for ratification Ankara is weighing military assistance to Riyadh as Houthi attacks intensify, though any Turkish deployment is expected to be limited. Turkey
Meet Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi, Iran's defense minister nominee Akhlaghi Ketabchi has been heavily involved in Iran's missiles programs, and it is not clear how much input Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei had in the nomination process. Iran
Analysis Turkey revives F-16 talks with US amid Israel, Greece deterrence concerns Ankara’s renewed talks with Washington come as older aircraft near retirement while the Eurofighter and Kaan remain years from filling Turkey’s future air-power needs. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Exclusive Rights, faith groups urge Congress to block $2.8B bomb sale to Israel By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Analysis Why Netanyahu is distancing himself from Trump ahead of Israeli election By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Middle East military rankings: Turkey highest, Lebanon lowest per global index Turkey stands out as the most powerful country in terms of its military capacities in its region while Lebanon is the weakest, a global military strength index finds. Turkey
Greece compares Turkey to North Korea in latest row with Erdogan Erdogan’s remarks raise stakes in rivalry between fellow NATO members as threatening rhetoric escalates. Turkey
Iran shows off homemade drones in large-scale exercise The drill was staged amid US intelligence reports that the Islamic Republic was planning to send Russia weapons-capable combat drones to be used in its war on Ukraine. Iran
Israeli defense minister pushes security cooperation, trade in India Defense Minister Benny Gantz's twice-postponed trip to India that finally took place last week. Israel
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
