UAE’s island-based weapons range gets an upgrade for drone practice
The site’s expansion will include the construction of a secondary 1.2-kilometer runway to support unmanned aerial systems’ take-off and landing.
Industry
GM Defense boosts Mideast footprint with Edge military vehicle tie-up
The General Motors subsidiary will work on the project with NIMR Automotive, an arm of the Emirati defense conglomerate, and gauge the regional market.
General Atomics eyes ‘huge’ MQ-9 sale to Saudi Arabia
Under Trump, one drone executive sees big business in the Gulf region.
Russian arms makers make big showing at Arab defense fair
Isolated by the war on Ukraine, Russia has sent its cadre of state-owned defense companies for a big footprint at the IDEX defense exhibition in Abu Dhabi.
As Israel fields Iron Beam, Gulf states are pining for the technology
“There has been a shared interest in so far as most would want to have them, they are high on the priority list of most regional states," one expert said.
Russian spy ship caught fire off Syria’s coast, its broadcast recorded
The incident provides an unusual peek inside Russia’s fleet of spy ships that NATO nations are watching closely due to concerns of underwater sabotage.
US conducts airstrikes against Islamic State operatives in Somalia
It marks the first attacks in the African nation during President Donald Trump’s second term.
Amid Houthi threats, a mysterious airstrip appears on Yemeni island
The runway is likely built by the United Arab Emirates, which has long been suspected of expanding its military presence in the region.
Turkish navy touts strategic ambitions with Mavi Vatan 2025 drill
Ankara's naval doctrine is seen by Greece and Israel as a major geopolitical challenge.
Israel and Hamas agree to Gaza ceasefire deal
The deal promises the release of dozens of hostages held by Hamas in phases and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israel.
US troops need to stay in Syria to counter ISIS, Pentagon chief says
U.S forces are still needed in Syria to prevent ISIS from reconstituting as a major threat following Assad's ouster, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said.
US shifts over $100M in military aid from Israel, Egypt to Lebanon
The Biden administration in its final days is trying to bolster a ceasefire agreement that it helped mediate between Israel and Hezbollah.
Turkish navy starts construction of three new warships
Turkish officials plan to add three domestically designed vessels to the navy's roster: a submarine, an aircraft carrier and an air-defense destroyer.
Israel creates hub to hasten military AI, autonomy research
Officials bank on autonomous weapons to pursue manpower-intensive wars.
France’s military is being ousted from more African countries
It’s been a tumultuous month for France and its relationship with former colonies in Africa.
US troops doubled in Syria before Assad’s overthrow, Pentagon says
The surge of 1,100 troops to the country has been going on for months without being disclosed publicly.
Kurdish forces in Syria accidentally shot down US Reaper drone
The U.S. recovered parts of the downed Reaper and destroyed the rest.
