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.
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Why enterprise IT modernization matters now – and how to “delight by design”
Do more with less: streamline workflows, reduce duplication, invest upfront to save long-term.
‘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.
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.
Modernizing defense enterprise IT without disrupting the mission
Government can’t stop to update systems, so modernization has to happen without interruptions.
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.
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.
Breaking Defense announces Breaking Defense Europe, a new, distinct, European edition
Breaking Defense Europe will launch May 4 with Tim Martin and Elisabeth Gosselin-Malo as co-editors.
Middle East missiles, large contracts and space ambitions: 2025 review
There was no shortage of news in the Middle East in 2025.
Air Force buying two Lufthansa 747s for delayed Air Force One program
The service is spending $400 million on the pair of jumbo jets for training and spares.
Air Force expects first delivery of delayed Boeing Air Force One jets in ‘mid-2028’
The new date marks some progress for the beleaguered Air Force One program, whose challenges have cost Boeing billions of dollars.
Why Qatar wants an air force facility inside the United States
Breaking Defense's Agnes Helou walks you through the latest headlines from the region in this month's edition of the Middle East Defense Digest.