Stories by Agnes Helou

In first, Emirati guided weapons to be equipped on UAE’s French Rafale F4 fighter fleet

In first, Emirati guided weapons to be equipped on UAE’s French Rafale F4 fighter fleet
In first, Emirati guided weapons to be equipped on UAE’s French Rafale F4 fighter fleet

Three different munitions — the Mk81, Mk82 and longer-range Mk83 guided bombs made by EDGE subsidiary Al Tariq — will all be integrated on the fourth generation plane in due course, Al Tariq CEO Theunis Botha told Breaking Defense.

After hack, Thales defense and security project data yet to appear on dark web

After hack, Thales defense and security project data yet to appear on dark web
After hack, Thales defense and security project data yet to appear on dark web

Sources expressed confidence that military and security projects were not affected by the breach, but admitted that it’s possible information was stolen that has yet to be discovered or made public.

Royal Jordanian Air Force inks deal to procure 10 Bell 505 trainer helicopters

Royal Jordanian Air Force inks deal to procure 10 Bell 505 trainer helicopters
Royal Jordanian Air Force inks deal to procure 10 Bell 505 trainer helicopters

The helos are part of an ongoing modernization push by the Middle Eastern kingdom.

As Western defense firms eye expansion in the UAE, local competition awaits

As Western defense firms eye expansion in the UAE, local competition awaits
As Western defense firms eye expansion in the UAE, local competition awaits

To avoid going up directly up against local behemoths like the EDGE Group, partnerships offer a path to Gulf customers.

Saudi naval modernization pushes ahead, with eye always on Iran

Saudi naval modernization pushes ahead, with eye always on Iran
Saudi naval modernization pushes ahead, with eye always on Iran

The first of five new corvettes recently arrived at King Faisal Naval Base in Jeddah, upgrading the Saudi fleet’s capabilities in the Red Sea.

From fighter jets to counter-UAV tech, Qatar prepares World Cup security

From fighter jets to counter-UAV tech, Qatar prepares World Cup security
From fighter jets to counter-UAV tech, Qatar prepares World Cup security

With international help and high-tech acquisitions, the Gulf nation is trying to leave little to chance.

After Tunisian president’s power grab, are Western defense deals in doubt?

After Tunisian president’s power grab, are Western defense deals in doubt?
After Tunisian president’s power grab, are Western defense deals in doubt?

The US has criticized the “erosion” of democracy in the North African nation, but hasn’t said it would cancel or curtail aircraft sales.

In a first, Lebanese navy to operate drones to aid maritime border security

In a first, Lebanese navy to operate drones to aid maritime border security
In a first, Lebanese navy to operate drones to aid maritime border security

In an exclusive interview, Lebanese Navy Commander Senior Capt. Haissam Dannaoui talks UAVs, retiring old ships and help from friendly nations.

In North Africa, a fighter jet arms race, with Russia and the US on either side

In North Africa, a fighter jet arms race, with Russia and the US on either side
In North Africa, a fighter jet arms race, with Russia and the US on either side

Algeria and Morocco are eyeing advanced air fighter fleets – and each other.

Seeking regional partners, UAE’s Edge Group wants to be ‘not just simply a vendor’: CEO

Seeking regional partners, UAE’s Edge Group wants to be ‘not just simply a vendor’: CEO
Seeking regional partners, UAE’s Edge Group wants to be ‘not just simply a vendor’: CEO

The conglomeration of 25 entities is focusing on drones, AI and munitions, CEO Mansour Almulla says.

New F-16s give Jordan’s air force a boost, but what comes next?

New F-16s give Jordan’s air force a boost, but what comes next?
New F-16s give Jordan’s air force a boost, but what comes next?

With a planned budget increase in the next four years, Jordan has three key prioritization areas – but regional events could cause those to flip.

As UAV tech spreads, Gulf firms bet on upgrades with drone-to-satellite links

As UAV tech spreads, Gulf firms bet on upgrades with drone-to-satellite links
As UAV tech spreads, Gulf firms bet on upgrades with drone-to-satellite links

Middle East firms seek to produce their own long-range drones using satellite links, company officials and experts told Breaking Defense.

Iraq says its spending big on artillery and jets. Can it afford them?

Iraq says its spending big on artillery and jets. Can it afford them?
Iraq says its spending big on artillery and jets. Can it afford them?

The government in Baghdad has announced new contracts for US-made weapons, but it’s not clear if the system will ever come to fruition.

As drone threats spread in Gulf, TRD Singapore looking for UAE partnership

As drone threats spread in Gulf, TRD Singapore looking for UAE partnership
As drone threats spread in Gulf, TRD Singapore looking for UAE partnership

The company has sold ten manpack anti-drone systems to the UAE military but is now looking to form a joint venture for greater production.

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