Considering that French-UAE negotiations have dragged on for a decade, it is difficult to see the sudden agreement for so many aircraft at such a pivotal moment as coincidental.
Whether it was the F-35 or another platform, EDGE will get involved in various platforms from a supply chain, sub system, or MRO point of views, CEO says.
“The Emiratis are doing a great job in keeping pace with the latest and most advanced technologies on one hand, and we don’t put restrictions for cooperation with other countries on the other,” said a Rostec official.
The UAE announced the opening of the first regional distribution hub for aircraft logistics in Abu Dhabi with Chinese state-backed defense contractor, China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation.
A military source tells Breaking Defense that Emirati leadership understands the severing of ties with Huawei to be a red line on moving the F-35 deal forward.
While it’s comforting to imagine that US hardware will only be directed at terrorists and Iranian threats, “Bahrain’s history of suppressing internal dissent with external weaponry suggests that these choppers may end up serving a police function during times of crisis, as well.”
Thales’ new Ground Observer 20 Multi-Mission radar mixes expeditionary design with AI in what the company hopes will open up a new market for its capabilities.
The contract comes at a time when the military procurement of armored vehicles is increasing across the Middle East to address the growth in asymmetric warfare and insurgency across the globe.
If Saudi Arabia want to send a signal to Washington without really endangering the American-Saudi security relationship, they’ll limit their arms deals with Russia to smaller – or even token – orders of relatively benign equipment.
Hezbollah continues to develop its arsenal with a continued focus on precision guided munitions, and both Israel and Hezbollah watch for any change in the rules of engagements along the Blue Line.
The opening of the base signifies Egypt’s determination to assert itself as a regional naval power with vast capacities and challenge efforts by its competitors like Turkey to expand their area of influence and control oil and gas rich zones of the Mediterranean.
