Analysis Turkey’s expanding military role in Somalia draws scrutiny amid federal rift Turkey’s expanding military footprint in Somalia is drawing criticism amid deepening federal-regional tensions, with Ankara denying it is taking sides. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Turkey, UK advance $11B Eurofighter jet deal with training agreement Britain and Turkey signed a training and support agreement marking “the next phase” of Ankara’s entry into the Eurofighter program, building on a £8 billion jet deal signed last year. Turkey
Analysis Iran war drives Turkey-Gulf defense alignment, but not alliance Despite accelerated cooperation as a result of the US-Israeli war on Iran, structural and political constraints would make a formal military alliance unlikely. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
How deployment of 4,000+ US Marines could change war in Iran Two flotillas bearing thousands of US Marines will give Trump more options to open the Strait of Hormuz, but deploying them to the Gulf will necessitate expanding a war that's already widely unpopular at home. Iran
Analysis India's Modi arrives in Israel as fears grow of US-Iran conflict By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Analysis Amid Saudi-UAE rivalry, Turkey courts Riyadh without crossing Abu Dhabi By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Intel: UAE suspends F-35 talks over US security demands Emirati officials head to the Pentagon on Wednesday for two days of strategic talks with Washington. United Arab Emirates
UAE says French fighter jets no substitute for US F-35 The head of the UAE's air force sought to clarify comments by France's President Emmanuel Macron last week. United Arab Emirates
UAE signs $19 billion fighter jet deal with France The sale of Dassault Rafale jets and Caracal helicopters marks Paris' largest foreign military sale to date. United Arab Emirates
Egypt reveals new drones at Cairo defense expo Cairo is hosting the Egypt Defense Expo (EDEX) through Thursday. Egypt
Israel approves $2.4 billion purchase of US CH-53 helicopters Israel is seeking to replace its fleet of heavy-lift helicopters over the next few years. Israel
Hamas student group hosts military exhibition in Gaza The Islamic Bloc, Hamas' student wing, held an exhibition in the Gaza Strip to showcase Hamas' history and military prowess. Palestine
Morocco acquires Israeli anti-drone air defense system Israel's defense minister is expected in Rabat on Wednesday to finalize further deals. Morocco
Iraq diversifies arms imports after US withdrawal from Afghanistan The US withdrawal may have spurred Iraq to consider purchases from Turkey and Pakistan, according to report by the Pentagon's Inspector General. News Brief
Intel: Russia displays new fighter jet at Dubai Airshow 2021 With the Su-75 Checkmate on display, Russia aims to remind the Emirates and other nations they have options when it comes to fifth-generation fighters. Russia / Mideast
Dubai Airshow 2021 kicks off with expectations of big deals The rise in attacks around the region in recent years using drones pushed the sales of UAV technologies in the Middle East to reach $1.5 billion over the last five years. Legacy: Gulf
Israel floats trial for new balloon-based drone, missile-detecting radar The early-detection balloon and radar are the latest in Israel's rapidly growing arsenal of missile defense systems. Israel
In troubled US-Turkey relations, F-16 deal seen as path for dialogue US President Joe Biden and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met Sunday to discuss an F-16 fighter jet purchase, which analysts see as an avenue for “positive” dialogue amid bilateral tensions. Turkey
