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
Inside Turkey's three dimensions for changing tune on Sweden's NATO bid Turkey’s surprise decision on the Swedish NATO bid seems to be underpinned by considerations on defense and economic areas. Turkey
US to advance Turkey's F-16 sales as Sweden's NATO bid moves forward US Senator Bob Menendez, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, says he is in talks with the administration on F-16 sales as the Turkish and US presidents met today. Turkey
Russian fighter jets harass US drones over Syria twice in 24 hours A Russian Su-35 forced two French Rafales to take evasive maneuvers over the Iraq-Syria border on Thursday as the Pentagon warned of increasing harassment. Syria
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
