Agnes Helou
Agnes Helou was a Middle East correspondent for Defense News. Her interests include missile defense, cybersecurity, the interoperability of weapons systems and strategic issues in the Middle East and Gulf region.
All Stories By Agnes
Chinese and Saudi firms create joint venture to make military drones in the kingdom
Advanced Communications and Electronics Systems Co. signed an agreement with China Electronics Technology Group Corp., with the two companies announcing their tie-up during the World Defense Show in Riyadh.
Why is Egypt intensifying its military drills?
After a busy November full of military drills, not least of which took place at sea, Egypt is continuing training into December and throughout 2021, sending a message about its global reach and capabilities.
Who will sell Iran weapons now that the arms embargo is dead?
With an international arms embargo lifted, Iran is likely to start buying armed drones, air defense systems, fighter jets and tanks, according to one expert, with another analyst linking the passage of Chinese defense export legislation on Oct. 28 with the embargo’s expiration.
How is the Egyptian Air Force able to operate its fleet of mixed origin?
It’s rare to witness an air force flying fighter jets and helicopters of different origins, but Egypt operates aircraft from Russia, China, the United States and European nations.
Top exec of UAE’s Edge talks Israeli cooperation, IDEX preparations
Defense News spoke with the CEO and managing director of Edge, Faisal Al Bannai, about how his organization has handled itself through thick and thin, and what it has planned for the future.
What kind of industrial cooperation will improved Israel-UAE relations produce?
Analysts are looking forward to potential cooperation among the defense industries of Israel and the United Arab Emirates, following the announcement that the two countries are establishing full diplomatic relations.
Lebanon to sell outdated aircraft as Air Force eyes new trainers
The Lebanese government plans to sell five outdated Air Force Hawker Hunter fighter jets and three Sikorsky S-61 helicopters.
Oshkosh, Saudi Arabia’s Al Tadrea launch joint venture to make armored vehicles
The two firms prepared for this joint venture by providing training opportunities and accreditation certificates to future OTM employees.
Allies shoulder for influence in the Gulf region as naval security remains top priority
Even with two separate coalitions charged with ensuring maritime security in the Arabian Gulf region, the waterways are still proving unstable.
Meet Garmousha: A new rotary-wing drone made in the UAE
The drone can be used to detect gas pipeline leaks, survey infrastructure, and perform search-and-rescue operations.
