Command overseeing Air Force operations in Middle East gets new boss amid Iran war
In what was a scheduled change-of-command, Lt. Gen. Daniel Lasica will now lead US Air Forces Central at a consequential time for American forces in the Middle East.
Qatari Air Force One will be taken offline for ‘maxed out’ upgrades: Trump
The forthcoming modifications follow concerns that the 747 jumbo jet rapidly modified by defense contractor L3Harris lacked security measures typical for transporting the US president.
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Europe’s military advantage depends on sovereign command of the ground truth
As NATO and European governments accelerate investment in space-based intelligence, decision advantage will depend on how quickly sovereign and commercial capabilities can be fused into a trusted operational picture.
How L3Harris transformed a Qatari 747 into a new Air Force One plane before July 4
L3Harris modified the jet in 10 months, with 400 employees working 24/7 to deliver the plane by a July 4 deadline, the head of the company's ISR division said.
US clears $8.6 billion arms sales to Middle East countries, ‘waiving’ congressional review
The possible deals include three countries buying APKWS, and Qatar could be purchasing more Patriot interceptors.
Russia’s windfall from the Iran war is temporary. Ukraine’s isn’t.
Kyiv, unlike Moscow, has secured strategic advantages from the war in Iran, writes Artur Kalandarov.
Iran conflict could open door for new players in Gulf defense market
As Gulf countries reassess defense needs after the Iran conflict, new entrants may find a windfall, writes Alek Jovovic of CSIS.
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MQ-9B and Gambit Series: Advancing European Defense Capabilities
GA-ASI will build Gambit aircraft in Europe, partnered with European-based companies, with airframes available for international procurement starting in 2027.
Ukraine inks defense agreements with Qatar and Saudi Arabia, with UAE to follow
“Ukraine has been countering [Iranian drones] for years [and] all features of this defense are of interest to the Gulf,” Samuel Bendett, adviser at Center for New America Security, told Breaking Defense.
‘Nightmare scenario’ for GCC countries, region as Iran unloads drones and missiles
“If Iranian attacks continue throughout this week, I would expect the Gulf Arab states to eventually participate in counter-attacks on Iran," one defense expert told Breaking Defense.
Qatari companies unveil new USVs as Iran skips 2026 DIMDEX naval expo
New on the Middle East Defense Digest: Drone boats, the Qatari defense industry and foreign ships make their mark in Doha.
CEO Q&A: Abu Dhabi Ship Building eyes large USVs and early vessel deliveries
David Massey sat down with Breaking Defense in DIMDEX in Qatar and explained how medium-sized USVs are already old hat.
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Networked for the fight: Army aviation’s next advantage
As operating environments grow more complex, Link 16 provides instantaneous, mission-wide connectivity to ensure no aircraft flies alone.
Barzan exec talks new business plan, unveils agreements and new platforms
“We're focused much more on what is made in Qatar, things that we've developed and produced here locally," Barzan Chief Commercial Officer Omar Al Qadi told Breaking Defense.
Qatari 747 to fly as Trump’s Air Force One this summer
The controversial aircraft donated by the Qatari government is set to transport the Commander-in-Chief after less than a year of modification work, according to the Air Force.
After external strikes and internal crisis, Iran skips Qatari defense show Dimdex
One analyst said it's no surprise Doha may not welcome Tehran, months after the Islamic Republic targeted a US military base in Qatar.
Qatari firm Performance Marine unveils Ghost 7 USV, aims for sea trials this year
USVs are proving popular items to show off at DIMDEX.