Canceled deals, new systems and the claim ‘defying reason’: Top 5 Middle East stories of 2023

Canceled deals, new systems and the claim ‘defying reason’: Top 5 Middle East stories of 2023
Canceled deals, new systems and the claim ‘defying reason’: Top 5 Middle East stories of 2023

Long before the Middle East was plunged into a new Israel-Gaza conflict, plenty of geopolitical plates had shifted, with major defense deals in the balance.

European firm to add C2, situational awareness tech to Emirati unmanned vessels

European firm to add C2, situational awareness tech to Emirati unmanned vessels
European firm to add C2, situational awareness tech to Emirati unmanned vessels

The integrated USV system is meant to demonstrate command and control capabilities, and provide marine security features including situational awareness and automatic threat detection. 

The Evolution of Terror Groups Since 9/11: From Tech to Politics

The Evolution of Terror Groups Since 9/11: From Tech to Politics
The Evolution of Terror Groups Since 9/11: From Tech to Politics

Terrorist groups have evolved in the past two decades, some growing powerful enough that they are now seeking to transform into political actors.

New Egyptian Base Sends Messages of Support to Libya, Challenge To Turkey

New Egyptian Base Sends Messages of Support to Libya, Challenge To Turkey
New Egyptian Base Sends Messages of Support to Libya, Challenge To Turkey

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.

As America Moves Air Defenses From Middle East, Will Local Partners Step Up?

As America Moves Air Defenses From Middle East, Will Local Partners Step Up?
As America Moves Air Defenses From Middle East, Will Local Partners Step Up?

It is more of a repositioning rather than a withdrawal and “does not reflect any political orientation similar to the one to withdraw troops from Afghanistan,” strategic expert and political researcher Abdullah Al Jenaid tells Breaking Defense.

CEO: UAE’s Beacon Red Boosts Cyber Resilience in Mideast

CEO: UAE’s Beacon Red Boosts Cyber Resilience in Mideast
CEO: UAE’s Beacon Red Boosts Cyber Resilience in Mideast

Over the next few years, attacks against critical infrastructure will continue to be a primary concern as industries figure out the best way to defend against threat actors.

World Powers Meet To Prop Up Lebanese Army

World Powers Meet To Prop Up Lebanese Army
World Powers Meet To Prop Up Lebanese Army

Unlike previous conferences designed to provide training, weapons or military hardware, the meeting was centered on finding ways to bolster the cohesion, resilience, and stability of the Lebanese Armed Forces.

US, France, Arab Allies Rush Help To Floundering Lebanese Armed Forces

US, France, Arab Allies Rush Help To Floundering Lebanese Armed Forces
US, France, Arab Allies Rush Help To Floundering Lebanese Armed Forces

While U.S. increases FMF to $120-million, France prepares international conference to assist the Lebanese Armed Forces whose budget was wiped out by collapse of country’s economy.

Egypt’s Rafale Opens Door To More French, European Deals

Egypt’s Rafale Opens Door To More French, European Deals
Egypt’s Rafale Opens Door To More French, European Deals

BEIRUT: Egypt’s latest agreement to buy 30 new Rafale jets will open prospects for other arms deals with France, experts tell Breaking Defense. “As part of the same agreement, Egypt will probably acquire additional military equipment including FalconEye observation satellite and A330 multi-role tanker transport (MRTT) aircraft manufactured by Airbus,” military researcher and defense analyst…

EXCLUSIVE: UAE Boosts Local Shipbuilder With $982M Patrol Ships Deal

EXCLUSIVE: UAE Boosts Local Shipbuilder With $982M Patrol Ships Deal
EXCLUSIVE: UAE Boosts Local Shipbuilder With $982M Patrol Ships Deal

The deal reinforces the company’s commitment to developing a sustainable knowledge and innovation-based economy in line with the UAE’s Vision 2030, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ship Building told Breaking Defense.

Egyptian Deal For Rafale Fighters Boosts Data Sharing

Egyptian Deal For Rafale Fighters Boosts Data Sharing
Egyptian Deal For Rafale Fighters Boosts Data Sharing

Egyptian sources tell Breaking Defense that this may not be the last Rafale purchase. Egypt is now eying the Rafale F4. “We are looking to increase the (overall) number to 72 or 100 units, depending on Egypt’s financial capacity.”

Egypt, US Commit To Bright Star, Shared Logistics

Egypt, US Commit To Bright Star, Shared Logistics
Egypt, US Commit To Bright Star, Shared Logistics

Egypt’s geo-strategic location and status as largest Arab power makes it a vital partner to the U.S. military, even with Egyptian diversification policy that includes acquiring Russian jets.

Greece, Saudi Arabia Forge Closer Ties In Shadow of Iran & Turkey

Greece, Saudi Arabia Forge Closer Ties In Shadow of Iran & Turkey
Greece, Saudi Arabia Forge Closer Ties In Shadow of Iran & Turkey

“The Saudis might be demonstrating that they can go to other sources and solutions for air defense through building on the worsening of US-Turkish relations, at the heart of which is US unhappiness over Turkish acquisition of the Russian S-400 air defense system,” Yezid Sayegh, senior fellow at the Carnegie Middle East Center, says.

Why Biden White House Lifted Arms Sales Freeze To UAE, KSA

Why Biden White House Lifted Arms Sales Freeze To UAE, KSA
Why Biden White House Lifted Arms Sales Freeze To UAE, KSA

“The U.S. continues to systematically state its commitment to the defense of Saudi Arabia so I don’t think arms transfers in general will completely stop,” Yasmine Farouk, Middle East expert at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, says.