Analysis RSF turns to drones, new fronts as Sudan battlefield pressure grows A wave of RSF drone attacks reflects the group fighting back, but it also points to limited supply lines and difficulty mounting ground offensives beyond its territorial strongholds. By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Analysis How Israel's rivalry, defense deals prompted Turkey to join Mecca pact Turkey’s growing rivalry with Israel and mounting regional instability are driving its defense alignment with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, despite risks of strategic entanglement and friction with NATO partners. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Explainer Who is Iran’s Mohsen Rezaei, hard-line IRGC veteran appointed to top security post? Mohsen Rezaei's appointment comes as Iran navigates a fragile halt in hostilities with the US and negotiations over reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Iran
Turkey’s Erdogan heads to Saudi Arabia for talks with MBS, Pakistan’s Sharif The visit comes as the three countries ramp up coordination to weather the regional fallout from the Iran war. Turkey
Analysis As Turkey eyes US naval revival, here is why big warship deals are unlikely By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Analysis From S-400s to SAMP/T: Turkey’s defense pivot gathers pace after NATO summit By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
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
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
