US green-lights $325 million in sustainment for Kuwait’s M1 Abrams tanks The Trump administration has notified Congress of a $325 million arms sale to Kuwait for tank maintenance, part of broader efforts to strengthen Gulf defense ties and streamline US arms transfers. Kuwait
AI chips, drones, jets: A look at Trump's $3.2 trillion megadeals during Gulf trip Amid photo ops and lavish receptions, President Donald Trump’s Gulf trip yielded $3.2 trillion in announced deals with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE — though some details remain vague. United States
Analysis How Turkey’s nuclear submarine bid is a game changer for its naval strategy Time, costs and international politics, not technological expertise, will be Turkey’s main challenge in reaching its aspirations for a nuclear-powered navy. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
After major arms sales, Trump to visit Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar: What to know The president is urging Gulf countries to increase their investment in the US after a series of bilateral economic and defense deals in recent months. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Sudan, Russia reach 'understanding' on naval base but hurdles remain By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
New Congressional task force to take on US foreign arms sales process A bipartisan task force launched by House Foreign Affairs panel chair Rep. Michael McCaul follows internal reviews at the Pentagon and the State Department on steps to speed up the foreign arms sale process. Washington Connection
Lebanon’s Hezbollah says it downed Israeli drone on border The Israeli army acknowledged the downing, saying the drone crashed in Lebanese territory during routine activity. Lebanon
Congress doubles down on Middle East defense architecture in NDAA markups To counter China's influence and Iran activities, lawmakers want to expand cybersecurity, maritime and air and missile defense support to Middle East allies and enable Israeli Air Force pilots as Arab leaders begin to engage with Iran. Legacy: Gulf
UAE defense firm EDGE and Brazilian navy sign anti-ship missiles deal The agreement follows the United Arab Emirates participating alongside Brazil in the BRICS meeting earlier this month. Legacy: Gulf
UK launches probe into British colleges accused of helping Iran develop drones British leader Rishi Sunak confirmed the inquiry into UK universities' cooperation with Iran in the House of Commons on Wednesday. Iran
Arab states make up 24% of Israel’s 2022 arms exports including drones Out of the record-high $12.5 billion in Israeli defense exports in 2022, almost $3 billion were export deals with Arab countries. Israel
UK MPs alarmed by report on British colleges helping Iran develop drones British lawmakers demand that the government provide answers about whether international sanctions were breached. Iran
Canada’s arms exports boom to Saudi Arabia, Israel, Qatar Some 92% of Saudi Arabia's purchases were armored combat vehicles with most of the shipments coming from a $15 billion contract reached in 2014 but only approved for export by Canada’s current government. Saudi Arabia
Iran unveils first hypersonic missile 'Fattah,' says no system can intercept it Boastfully adding to its already massive stockpile of long-range projectiles, Tehran appeared headed for a fresh collision course with Israel and its Western adversaries, which remain unnerved by Iran's missile program. Iran
Israel, Hezbollah rattle swords, with military drills near border The military drills of Hezbollah and of the Israel Defense Forces — only a few days apart — reflect growing tensions on Israel’s northern border. Israel
CENTCOM commander visits Israel, observes multifront war exercise Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla is on a wider tour of the Middle East as the Pentagon aims to build regional military capabilities to better deter attacks by Iran and its proxies. Israel
UAE axes $879m military helicopter deal with Airbus Muammar Abdulla Abushehab, defense and security industry affairs sector chief for the UAE’s Tawazun Council, stressed that the decision was not a political one. United Arab Emirates
