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.
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Built for another era, our air-and-missile-defense industrial base needs more builders
New entrants are filling unmet needs in air-and-missile defense.
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.
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.
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Speed, AI, and the platform that makes it operational
These are the five root causes that account for most of the delay in cognitive operations staffing.
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.
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.
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Automation vs autonomy: What will shape the future of battlefield drones?
While humans must stay in the loop for kinetic decisions, empowering drones to operate autonomously is a force multiplier.
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.
US launches air defense operations cell in Qatar with Gulf states
AFCENT commander Lt. Gen Derek France expected the new cell to strengthen integrated air and missile defenses throughout the region.
Middle East missiles, large contracts and space ambitions: 2025 review
There was no shortage of news in the Middle East in 2025.