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
House Democrats urge cuts to Egypt's military aid over rights abuses The Biden administration will soon decide whether to restrict part of the United States’ annual military assistance to Egypt for the third year in a row. Egypt
Saudi Arabia agrees to produce Turkey’s Baykar drones Riyadh wants to boost its military might, especially with the prospect of its main rival Iran developing its nuclear enrichment capabilities. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Can Iran's Shahed drones in Ukraine help ease tension with Russia? Tensions that emerged after Iran summoned the Russian ambassador over Moscow's comments on disputed islands with the UAE has once again highlighted the limits of trust in bilateral relations between the two. By Anton Mardasov
France, UK jostle for defense influence with Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar France is aiming to bolster its presence as a leading security guarantor and partner in the Gulf, at a time the UK is also seeking to strengthen its ties with GCC countries. Legacy: Gulf
Iran, Belarus sign defense MOU as they explore cooperation on drones Belarus may start playing a bigger role in Russia’s use of Iranian drones in the war on Ukraine. Iran
Iran drones venture into South America market with Bolivia as new customer Iran was seen attempting to expand its sway in Latin America after Bolivia expressed interest in purchasing Iranian drones and reports said the Venezuelan navy had started using Iran-made attack boats that could be mounted with ballistic missiles. Iran
China, UAE overtake US companies at Turkey’s IDEF 23 weapons fair During the 15th edition of the IDEF in 2021, the global fair saw more than a thousand companies from 53 countries attend and had more than 94 signing ceremonies take place. Turkey
China’s newly appointed FM Wang Yi heads to Turkey, will meet Erdogan The meeting with Erdogan and Turkish FM Fidan will mark the first high-level visit from a Chinese official since 2021. Turkey
Iran unveils new ballistic missile after US deployment to Gulf Iranian officials said they had already mass-produced the "radar-evading" missile, which relies on artificial intelligence and is capable of "completely destroying" any frigate. Iran
Following Saudi drone deal, Turkey's Erdogan targets $6B in defense sales Speaking at the opening of Turkey’s largest defense fair, the Turkish president has pledged to raise military exports by 36% while his defense industry chief reveals that last week’s drone deal with Riyadh alone was worth $3.1 billion. Turkey
Iran declares 'efficient deterrence' against any military strike Iran has in recent years shown off its military advancements, particularly its drones and ballistic missiles, shrugging off Western worries that it is escalating tensions in an already volatile Middle East. Iran
Saudi Arabia signs major deal with Turkey to acquire Baykar drones Riyadh has long been interested in Baykar drones and the possibility of producing the weapons in Saudi Arabia. Turkey
