Libya’s Khalifa Hifter names son Saddam second-in-command: What to know Saddam Hifter’s appointment as deputy general commander of the Libyan National Army positions him as a key power player in eastern Libya amid ongoing political division. Libya
Analysis Turkey’s military shake-up: Adapting to new threats or political meddling? A new personnel law reflects growing political influence over military decision-making, raising concerns about the military's meritocracy and autonomy. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Germany to halt Israel military exports that can be used in Gaza: What to know Germany, traditionally one of Israel’s strongest allies in Europe, has been under pressure to toughen its stance toward the war in Gaza as the humanitarian crisis deepens. Israel
Turkey names new army chief in unexpected reshuffle While official releases cited staffing shortages as the reason, it has been roughly a decade since a Turkish chief of staff has retired before completing a full four-year tenure. Turkey
Analysis Why France is quietly becoming Saudi Arabia’s go-to internal security partner By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Analysis Eurofighters and drones: Turkey's IDEF25 marks leap toward defense autonomy By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
State Department to notify Congress of Turkey’s F-16 sale: sources Sources told Al-Monitor that the State Department will formally notify Congress of the pending F-16 sale as soon as today. Turkey
Germany reverses, to greenlight Eurofighter jets to Saudi Arabia Germany stopped selling arms to Saudi Arabia following the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul in 2018, but has since come under increasing pressure to allow the sale of the jets to the Gulf country. Saudi Arabia
In shift, Erdogan links Sweden’s NATO accession to Turkey's F-16 acquisition On eve of his Greece visit, and after insisting for months that Sweden's pending NATO membership and Turkey's purchase of F-16s should be separate, Erdogan is now linking the two outcomes. Turkey
What weapons is US selling to Saudi Arabia in latest $582 million deal? The sale coincides with increased Houthi attacks in Gulf waters and growing Saudi concerns over its defense posture following the Israel-Hamas war. Saudi Arabia
Israel, Turkey firms among world’s top 100 arms makers: SIPRI Turkey’s Baykar, manufacturer of Bayraktar drones, recorded the largest revenue among the world’s top 100 arms producers and military service providers. Turkey
Why Iran's military aircraft deal with Russia is significant leap for both Tehran receives the equipment as it continues to boost a military alliance with Moscow that has come under the international spotlight and scrutiny since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Iran
Iran unveils new Deylaman warship capable of launching cruise missiles The new warship is part of Iran’s efforts to increase its military presence in the Caspian Sea. Iran
What Saudi crown prince's call to stop weapons exports means for Israel The crown prince’s comments come amid persistent opposition to Israel’s strikes against Hamas in Gaza in the Arab world. Legacy: Gulf
Russia and China big participants at Dubai Airshow At this year's event, the UAE is balancing friendly relations with the United States as well as with China and Russia, including via the BRICS alliance. Legacy: Gulf
Analysis How Russia's Redut PMC forced rival Wagner to withdraw from Syria Almost all of Wagner's mercenaries have already left Syria on planes departing from the Khmeimim air base, and the remaining few dozen are handing over weapons to the military and processing documents. By Anton Mardasov
Azerbaijan, Turkey launch joint military exercise as Fidan meets Armenia FM The joint military exercise coincided with a five-country summit in Tehran between Turkey, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Iran and Russia. Turkey
Iran’s Khamenei threatens US as Pentagon readies 2,000 troops for region The Pentagon has ordered some 2,000 US military personnel readied to respond to the fallout of Israel’s war in Gaza and extended the deployment of the USS Ford carrier strike group. Palestine
