in Defence / Features Posted 3 October 2019
Algeria and Egypt have ordered the Sukhoi Su-35S multi-role fighter (known to NATO by the reporting name ‘Flanker-E’), risking incurring the wrath of the USA. Jon Lake reports.
in Defence / Features Posted 26 September 2019
Saab chief executive, Hakan Buskhe, has announced that the UAE is on track to receive its first GlobalEye swing-role surveillance system (SRSS) aircraft in April 2020, writes Jon Lake.
in Defence / Features Posted 20 September 2019
Leading Arab air forces have been among the vanguard of air arms that have enthusiastically embraced active electronically scanned array (AESA or E-scan) radar technology for their next generation of fighters. Jon Lake takes a detailed look at the technology.
in Defence Posted 18 September 2019
With substantial progress being made on the contract between BAE Systems and the Government of Qatar for the provision of 24 Typhoon aircraft, nine Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers and a six-year availability support service – which came into
in Defence / Features Posted 16 September 2019
Turkey came out fighting at this year’s biennial International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF), held in Istanbul from April 30 to May 3. Alan Warnes was there.
in Defence Posted 11 September 2019
L3Harris Technologies and Advanced Electronics Company (AEC) are collaborating to establish a rotary and fixed-wing flight training and aircraft maintainer programme for the Royal Saudi
in Defence / Maintenance Posted 22 August 2019
tlmNexus, which works with Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), has developed a secure web-based solution called Damage and Repair Tracker (DaRT).
in Air Transport / Defence / Business Aviation Posted 10 July 2019
Qatar's relations with the US were boosted by a signing spree during a visit by the ruler of the Gulf country to President Donald Trump at the White House.
in Defence Posted 4 July 2019
Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) and Paramount Group have signed a high-level defence collaboration agreement, in step with Saudi Arabia’s vision for the creation of an integrated defence industrial
in Defence / Features Posted 1 July 2019
Qatar has taken delivery of a pair of Viking Air DHC-6 Series 400 (DHC-6-400) Twin Otter aircraft, writes Jon Lake.
in Defence / Features Posted 28 June 2019
A new version of Boeing’s F-15 Advanced Eagle – the F-15QA – lies at the heart of Qatar’s ongoing recapitalisation of its fighter force. Jon Lake reports.
in Defence / Features Posted 26 June 2019
The US Army’s Security Assistance Command (USASAC) has completed the delivery of a $338 million foreign military sales (FMS) package of eight Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters and associated training and support to Tunisia, writes Jon Lake.
in Defence / Events Posted 25 June 2019
Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) has announced the signing of a Term Sheet Agreement to acquire 100% ownership in Advanced Electronics Company (AEC), which took place at a Saudi Arabia/UK industry event in London in the presence of senior shareholder
in Defence / Features Posted 21 June 2019
The US State Department has approved the sale of 10 Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters to Egypt. Meanwhile, Qatar’s first aircraft of the type were delivered on March 21. Jon Lake reports.
in Defence / Features Posted 18 June 2019
The third batch of six Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) T-50IQ lead-in fighter trainers have been delivered to Iraq, writes Jon Lake.
in Defence / Features Posted 13 June 2019
Egypt has announced that the Kamov Ka-52 ‘Nile Crocodile’ helicopter has officially entered service with the Egyptian Air Force. Jon Lake reports.
in Defence / Features Posted 7 June 2019
The Middle East is a key export region for British-Italian company Leonardo and, as Beth Stevenson reports, the company is targeting the market with ongoing developments in its airborne sensor division.
in Defence Posted 31 May 2019
Honeywell has signed a new maintenance agreement with the UAE’s Advanced Military Maintenance Repair Overhaul Center – AMMROC.
in Defence / Features Posted 29 May 2019
As Kuwait gets ready to welcome new fighters to its fleet, Alan Warnes looks at the country’s modernisation programme.
in Defence / Features Posted 23 May 2019
Footage shown on Algerian national TV and posted by the Algerian Ministry of Defence on its official Facebook page has revealed that two Emirati-developed unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) are now in service with the Algerian Air Force. Jon Lake reports.
in Defence / Features Posted 14 May 2019
Wildly contradictory reports surround the status of Algeria’s ambitious plans to build large numbers of AgustaWestland AW109s, AW139s and AW101s in a new factory at Ain Arnat in Setif province, currently home to the 9 Regiment d’Hélicopteres d’Entrainment.
in Defence / Features Posted 9 May 2019
Iraq is to buy five armed Bell 407GT helicopters to offset the combat losses of seven of its armed Bell IA-407s in recent years, writes Jon Lake.
in Defence / Features Posted 7 May 2019
Lebanon is to receive a new $120 million US military aid package, writes Jon Lake.
in Defence / Features Posted 3 May 2019
The UAE is to procure nine new-build Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardians, and will upgrade eight of its existing AH-64D aircraft to the same standard, together with related equipment, training, and support, writes Jon Lake.
in Defence / Features Posted 29 April 2019
The Egyptian Ministry of Defence has confirmed that it has taken the Chinese-built Chengdu Wing Loong unmanned air vehicle (UAV) into air force service, writes Jon Lake.
in Defence / Features Posted 25 April 2019
Turkey’s Anka-S unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is now operational with the Turkish Air Force in a revised form, according to a Twitter announcement by Ismail Demir, director of the Turkish Defence Industries Directorate (SSB).
in Defence / Features Posted 15 April 2019
The UAE’s Calidus B-250 is bidding to become the next new generation light attack aircraft of choice. Alan Warnes reports.
in Defence / General Aviation / Features Posted 11 April 2019
The first prototype of the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) T625 multi-role helicopter made its 20-minute maiden flight on September 6 2018, at the company’s facilities in Ankara, writes Jon Lake.
in Defence / Events Posted 11 April 2019
At a ceremony in Doha yesterday, foundations were laid to mark the start of construction of a new Technical Institute to provide dedicated technician training for Qatar Armed Forces.
in Defence / Features Posted 10 April 2019
RBAF commander, Major General Hamad bin Abdullah al Khalifah, now has to face up to the challenge of ensuring there are enough aircrews trained to fly when the new F-16s and AH-1Zs arrive.
in Defence / Features Posted 3 April 2019
Royal Bahraini Air Force commander, Major General Hamad bin Abdullah al Khalifah, discusses his country’s major defence and security issues with Alan Warnes.
in Defence / Features Posted 25 March 2019
The Middle East continues to be a fruitful market for military helicopter suppliers – whether US, European or Russian – as several nations either modernise or look to expand their rotorcraft fleets.
in Defence Posted 18 March 2019
Turkish Aerospace has announced the launch of its “T129 ATAK Brazil Roadshow” before LAAD, which will be held April 2-5, of 2019 in Rio de Janeiro.
in Defence Posted 21 February 2019
Airbus has successfully completed the certification flight tests for the A400M Cargo Hold Tanks (CHT) refuelling unit, taking a new step towards the full certification of the aircraft for air-to-air refuelling operations as a
in Defence / Events Posted 19 February 2019
Collins Aerospace has been highlighting its commitment to training local talent and redefining aerospace research at IDEX 2019 – taking place 17th to 21st February at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) –
in Defence Posted 18 February 2019
Lockheed Martin, Diehl Defence and Saab announced a new collaboration to develop the Falcon air defence weapon system as the short and medium-range solution for current and emerging threats.
in Defence / General Aviation / Training Posted 18 February 2019
Abu Dhabi's EDIC Horizon, has announced plans to upgrade its existing fleet of Bell 206 helicopters with new single-engine glass cockpits.
in Defence Posted 18 February 2019
The Middle East is cited by Deloitte as one of the key regions that are expected to contribute to industry performance in the near term, in its 2019 global aerospace and defence industry outlook. It states that defence spending in the region is
in Defence Posted 17 February 2019
The strength of the defence industry in the Middle East was reinforced today with more than billion dollars of deals agreed at the biennial IDEX show in Abu Dhabi
in Defence / Features Posted 8 February 2019
The Sikorsky S-70 is increasingly becoming the backbone of Saudi Arabia’s rotary-wing fleet and, as Jon Lake reports, a number of S-70 and UH-60 variants are now spread across several of the kingdom’s military and parapublic air arms.
in Defence / Features Posted 7 February 2019
With a massive air force expansion under way, the Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF). will need to significantly boost its training system. As Jon Lake reports, BAE Systems hopes that its Hawk will provide the solution to the emerging requirement.
in Defence / Features Posted 5 February 2019
Jordan is upgrading an initial batch of 12 of its Bell AH-1 Cobras for continued service, extending their useful lives by at least 20 years. Jon Lake reports.
in Defence / Features Posted 4 February 2019
The Mleeta Resistance Tourist Landmark, also called the Mleeta Museum for Resistance Tourism, is widely referred to as the ‘Hezbollah Museum’.
in Defence / Features Posted 30 January 2019
Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH has enjoyed great success across the MENA region with its twin-engined DA42 Twin Star. Now, writes Jon Lake, it hopes to repeat this success with its new range of Diamond Aircraft reconnaissance trainer DART)
in Defence / Features Posted 28 January 2019
Most Middle East countries are beefing up their combat capabilities with new generation fighters as the threat from Russian and Iranian systems is a real concern to them. So, asks Alan Warnes, has the time come for a dedicated aggressor squadron to
in Defence / Features Posted 21 January 2019
Steadily worsening relations between the two countries has seen the US Congress pass legislation temporarily banning deliveries of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II to Turkey. Jon Lake reports.
in Defence / Features Posted 18 January 2019
Pilot Officer Shaikha Aisha bint Rashid Al Khalifa has become the first Bahraini woman to fly a military aircraft in the history of the Royal Bahrain Air Force (RBAF), writes Jon Lake.
in Defence Posted 15 January 2019
An MoU securing the expansion and renovation of Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar was signed on Sunday between U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
in Defence / Features Posted 14 January 2019
The Middle East conflict zones are being used for testing and evaluating UAV and counter-UAV technologies from more than a dozen countries. David Oliver reports
in Defence / Features Posted 10 January 2019
The ink was still drying on Turkey’s deal with Pakistan for 30 T129 tactical reconnaissance and attack helicopters (ATAKs) when it appeared US sanctions could jeopardise the sale. Alan Warnes reports.
in Defence / Features Posted 4 January 2019
The Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) has now received the final pair of Eurofighter Typhoons from BAE Systems, completing the delivery of the batch of 12 tranche 3 aircraft that now equip the re-formed No8 Squadron at Adam Air Base.
in Defence / Features Posted 17 December 2018
Group Captain Chas Dickens, OBE, commander of the UK Royal Air Force’s No903 Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW), gives a first-hand account of the UK’s combat air operations over Syria and Iraq to Jon Lake.
in Defence / Features Posted 10 December 2018
A huge new player has emerged in the aerospace defence world. Alan Warnes finds out more.
in Defence / Training / Events Posted 5 December 2018
Students at Kuwait University have learnt more about how disruptive technologies are shaping the future global aerospace and defence industry.
in Defence / Features Posted 30 November 2018
The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) is looking to modernise the operational concepts at its Riyadh-based Air Warfare Centre. Alan Warnes reports.
in Defence Posted 15 November 2018
Leonardo, in the presence of Royal Bahrain Air Force Commander Major General Shaikh Hamad Al Khalifa, officially delivered air traffic control systems to the Bahrain Defence Force at the Bahrain Airshow
in Defence / Features Posted 12 November 2018
Kuwait has finally confirmed its long-awaited order for the Boeing Super Hornet, the US Department of Defense has announced. Jon Lake reports.
in Defence / Features Posted 9 November 2018
One of a pair of Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) RE-3 signals intelligence (SIGINT) aircraft has recently been upgraded. Jon Lake discovers more.
in Defence / Features Posted 8 November 2018
Are the UAE’s new spy-planes modern enough? Alan Warnes has been finding out.
in Defence / Features Posted 5 November 2018
The Iraqi Air Force has now received sufficient Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) T-50IQ Golden Eagle advanced trainer/light combat aircraft to start operations with the type.
in Defence / Features Posted 2 November 2018
It is now 39 years since the revolution that removed the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, from his throne.
in Defence / Features Posted 29 October 2018
The Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior announced the arrival of two Airbus H225 long-range helicopters from France on February 20. Newly trained Kuwaiti pilots flew them on their five-day delivery journey.
in Defence / Features Posted 22 October 2018
The US State Department has approved a possible foreign military sale (FMS) for four Beechcraft King Air 350ER intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft to Kuwait at an estimated cost of $259 million, writes Jon Lake.
in Defence / Features Posted 16 October 2018
As Saudi Arabia targets an aerospace and defence manufacturing revolution, Lockheed Martin looks to play its part. Beth Stevenson reports
in Defence / Features Posted 11 October 2018
Jon Lake reveals that it’s good news and bad news for Egypt’s Rafales.
in Defence / Features Posted 9 October 2018
Having taken delivery of the last four Embraer EMB 313/A-29 Super Tucano light-attack and reconnaissance aircraft, Lebanon has now announced a further $120 million defence aid package from the United States. Jon Lake reports.
in Defence Posted 4 October 2018
The Saudi Royal Air Force and the Tunisian Air Force are training together for the first time in a joint exercise in the North African country.,
in Defence Posted 4 October 2018
Following the tragic shoot down of the Russian Air Force Ilysuhin Il-20 on September 17, the Russian MOD announced on October 3 it had deployed the deadly S-300 air defence system to Syria, reports Alan Warnes.
in Defence / Features Posted 26 September 2018
The United States has approved the potential sale to Bahrain of 12 Bell AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters at an estimated cost of $911.4 million, including spares, support, weapons and training. Jon Lake reports.
in Defence Posted 18 September 2018
Qatar’s deal to buy 24 Typhoon jets and nine Hawks is now officially effective after BAE Systems received its first payment today.
in Defence / Features Posted 14 September 2018
David Oliver looks at how the small Royal Bahraini Air Force is big on using new technology.
in Defence Posted 6 September 2018
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states are forecast to spend over $100 billion on their defence capabilities for the first time next year, with increasing budgets in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) driving growth between 2018 and
in Defence / Features Posted 3 September 2018
Alan Warnes takes a look at the changes in lead-in fighter training (LIFT) taking place throughout the Middle East.
in Defence Posted 21 August 2018
Leonardo has today announced that it has made effective the contract signed on 14 March 2018, for the supply of 28 NH90 medium twin-engine multirole military helicopters to the Ministry of Defence of Qatar and has therefore booked the order in
in Defence / Features Posted 20 August 2018
Britain’s Royal Navy has deployed a pair of AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat HMA.Mk 2 helicopters to Al Musanna air base in Oman, near Muscat. The move is part of the wider UK maritime presence in the region, known as Operation Kipon.
in Defence / Features Posted 16 August 2018
Nearly 200 C-130 Hercules aircraft have been operated by Middle East air forces since the first was delivered to Iran in 1962. Alan Warnes reports.
in Defence / Features Posted 15 August 2018
David Oliver takes a look at the Middle East’s combat aerial vehicle capabilities.
in Defence / Features Posted 10 August 2018
Turkey is pushing ahead with its ambitious plans to develop and deploy an indigenous fifth-generation fighter, known as the TF-X or Milli Muharebe Uçağı (national combat aircraft).
in Defence / Features Posted 27 July 2018
With about 80 aircraft delivered, the Sikorsky S-70 has become the backbone of Saudi Arabia’s rotary-wing fleet.
in Defence / Features Posted 20 July 2018
Kuwait Prime Minister, Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, has ordered an investigation into the €1 billion ($1.19 billion) order signed by the air force for 30 H225M Caracal multirole military utility helicopters, 24 of them for the Kuwaiti
in Defence Posted 17 July 2018
Raytheon will design, develop and manufacture the projector for BAE Systems' Digital Light Engine (DLE) Head-Up Display (HUD) on the F-16 Fighting Falcon for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) armed forces.
in Defence / Features Posted 13 July 2018
As the combat aircraft inventories of Middle East nations continue to grow, air forces are increasingly seeking to back up their front-line units with support aircraft such as tankers. As Alan Dron reports, Boeing believes that its new
in Defence / Features Posted 5 July 2018
Although it is now taking delivery of a squadron’s worth of Eurofighter Typhoon multi-role strike fighters, the Royal Air Force of Oman will continue to rely on its force of 23 F-156 Fighting Falcons for many years.
in Defence Posted 26 June 2018
Lockheed Martin has received a $1.12 billion contract from the US Government to produce 16 new F-16 Block 70 aircraft for the Royal Bahraini Air Force.
in Defence / Features Posted 25 June 2018
With its aerial intervention having played a major role in pushing back Daesh terrorists in Syria, Russia is now seeking to maintain a presence in the country with permanent bases.
in Air Transport / Defence / People Posted 18 June 2018
Following a restructuring of the Egyptian government’s cabinet, Air Marshal Younes Al Masry has been appointed as the country’s Civil Aviation Minister.
in Defence / Features Posted 7 June 2018
The Abu-Dhabi-based National Search and Rescue Centre (NSRC) is the first of its kind in the UAE. Alan Warnes looks at how it came into being and what success it has had.
in Defence / Features Posted 18 May 2018
Saab unveiled its new GlobalEye swing role surveillance system (SRSS) aircraft during two days of ceremonies at Linköping, Sweden. The first day was closed, but was attended by a UAE delegation. Jon Lake reports.
in Defence Posted 1 May 2018
Boeing, through its subsidiary Aviall, has announced Aviall’s leadership role in supply chain management for the production of the Advanced High- Performance Reconnaissance Light Aircraft
in Air Transport / Defence / Space / Events / People Posted 1 May 2018
Collaborations that focus on shared opportunity, growth and progress are critical for global security, said Lockheed Martin’s CEO at the Global Aerospace Summit in Abu Dhabi today.
in Defence / Features Posted 27 April 2018
The US Department of Defense has announced the award of a $240 million contract for Boeing to modernise Saudi Arabia’s fleet of five E-3A Sentry airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft.
in Defence / Features Posted 25 April 2018
Bahrain is to recapitalise its ageing fighter force with the purchase of 19 new-build Block 70 F-16Vs and via the upgrade of its 20 surviving Block 40 F-16C/Ds to the same standard.
in Defence / Features Posted 18 April 2018
Royal Saudi Air Force pilots flew a series of 10 evaluation flights in Textron AirLand’s production-representative third prototype while the aircraft was en route to participate in the Dubai Air Show. It is believed the UAE Air Force and Air Defence
in Defence / Features Posted 16 April 2018
The Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF) has completely revamped its pilot training system. Jon Lake reports.
in Defence Posted 11 April 2018
An Algerian Air Force Ilyushin-76TD military transport plane has crashed more than 250 passengers and crew believed dead.
in Defence / Features Posted 11 April 2018
Fenella McGerty, principal analyst, defence budgets, Jane’s by IHS Markit gives her assessment of the current Turkish defence concerns
in Defence / Features Posted 10 April 2018
Following its participation in Exercise Blue Shield in Sudan and Exercise Red Flag in the USA, the Royal Saudi Air Force undertook a further major training exercise, Faisal-11, in Egypt. Jon Lake reports.
in Defence / Features Posted 3 April 2018
UAE wants to acquire F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, probably as part of a mixed fleet
in Defence Posted 28 March 2018
The exercise by Qatar of the option for 12 additional Rafale becomes effective Saint-Cloud, 27 March 2018 – The exercise of the option for the purchase of 12 additional Rafale fighters for Qatar is now in effect.
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