Turkey delivers $460 million first batch of Steel Dome air defense system More than 40 units, including long- and short-range missile systems, radars and sensors, are ready for use as Ankara pushes for an integrated air defense, the Turkish president said. Turkey
US Army trains new Saudi anti-missile THAAD crew as Gulf air defense lags Despite damage from Israel’s June air campaign, Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal continues to threaten Arab states and has in the past limited US military access to regional bases, testing the Pentagon’s ability to manage its global resources. United States
Germany inks $408M arms deal with Israel despite pledge to curb exports over Gaza Though the new deal involves imports rather than exports, it has raised questions about the broader consistency of Germany’s defense policy, as Berlin has sought to distance itself from Israel’s actions during the Gaza war. Israel
Analysis How Saudi defense shake-up exposes frustration with localization goals As Riyadh struggles to reach its 50% Vision 2030 target, leadership reshuffles signal pressure for faster progress. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Israel's new army chief Herzi Halevi forced to navigate multiple bosses, far-right whims Israel's incoming IDF Chief of Staff Hezri Halevi will have to deal with the fallout from the whims of a new government run by Israel’s most right-wing, regressive and ultra-nationalist forces. Israel
US working with Congress towards Turkey F-16 sale Opposition to the sale of 40 new fighter jets remains entrenched in the Senate. By Al-Monitor Staff
Turkey’s defense exports reach record levels in 2022, Erdogan says Turkey’s president is touting the country's defense exports, which have reached a record high. Turkey
Analysis US top Middle East commander tests new model of deterring Iran As the Pentagon shifts focus to China and Russia, CENTCOM’s chief is banking on experimentation with unmanned surveillance and artificial intelligence to offset a smaller US footprint in the Middle East. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
US working with Saudi Arabia on strategic military plans, general says The Biden administration is leveraging the Pentagon to quietly rebuild trust with Riyadh in the wake of a very public dispute. Legacy: Gulf
Israeli leaders take credit for blocking Iran nuclear deal Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett took credit for the current deadlock in talks between Iran and world powers. Israel
As Lebanon unravels, Beirut neighborhood takes security into its own hands Amid Beirut’s unlit streets, men wield torches and batons to ensure security and safety in the neighborhood in an initiative that began in Achrafieh, one of Beirut’s oldest and most charming districts. Lebanon
Egypt’s Sisi gets warm welcome at Pentagon as Cairo assumes naval role Egypt took charge of Combined Task Force 153 on Monday as the Pentagon seeks to economize its footprint in the Middle East. Egypt
Israeli intelligence sees genuine, lasting changes in Iran According to Israeli security sources, the blunt breach of human rights in Iran blocks world powers from advancing on a nuke deal. Israel
As US watches, China and Saudi Arabia shy away from defense deals during Xi's visit Pentagon officials are closely watching what deals result from the Chinese president's meetings with Arab leaders. Legacy: Gulf
Iran sent more drones to Russia for use in Ukraine, US suggests Tehran sent additional UAVs, but no ballistic missiles thus far, the White House said. Iran
Netanyahu’s far-right partners jeopardize Israeli ties with Jordan, Egypt Statements by future National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and by his party colleague Avi Maoz are putting ties between Israel, Jordan and Egypt at risk. Israel
