Analysis Turkey's Kizilelma fighter jet redefines capability in air warfare: What to know The unmanned fighter jet logged the first such strike by a drone against another drone in flight, underscoring Ankara’s ambition for next-generation aircraft. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
China, UAE to hold third air force drills as defense ties warm: What we know China and the United Arab Emirates are further deepening their defense and military ties with a third round of aerial exercises. United Arab Emirates
Turkey defense firms break record with $10B in revenues: SIPRI Turkey set a new record with five companies in the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute's Top 100 for 2024, which included nine Middle Eastern countries for the first time amid conflict-driven arms demand. Turkey
US approves $1.4B in military sales to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain: What to know An estimated $1 billion in foreign military sales will go to Saudi Arabia, and $445 million will go to Bahrain. United States
Analysis Turkey boosts R&D spending to $20B amid push for defense self-sufficiency By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
New START withdrawal would ease path for bomber sale to Israel Debate over whether to renew the 2009 nuclear treaty with Russia could have implications for US defense ties with Israel. Israel
Congress poised to put Saudi Arabia on the hook for millions in military training Lawmakers estimate ending security assistance could cost Riyadh up to $30 million. Saudi Arabia
Pentagon’s Iron Dome buy raises questions on US troop protection The Pentagon has agreed to acquire Israel’s Iron Dome to intercept cruise missiles, but experts are questioning whether the system can effectively defend US troops. Israel
Congress cuts deal on Middle East aid package The latest spending bill contains big wins for Egypt and Turkey while shunning Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia gets US missile defense boost despite Khashoggi uproar The State Department has approved a $195 million sale to upgrade Saudi Arabia’s missile defenses. Saudi Arabia
US doubles down on military aid to Lebanon The Donald Trump administration is providing Lebanon’s army with more than $100 million in upgrades to tanks and attack helicopters. Lebanon
More military expulsions appear imminent in Turkey The Turkish government is investigating some 15,000 more military members suspected of being connected with the Gulenist movement, and 4,000 may be ousted soon. Turkey
Pentagon braces for leaner Mideast war budget after Democrats win House The Defense Department is preparing for another era of lean budgets after Democrats took control of the House in Tuesday’s elections. Congress
Russia pins downed plane on Israel, will add missiles in Syria Russia’s decision to deploy its S-300 air defense systems in Syria is a major step toward dominating Syrian airspace, but to what extent will it affect Israel? Syria
