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.
in Defence Posted 15 March 2018
Yesterday at the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition & Conference (DIMDEX), CAE was awarded a subcontract from Leonardo Helicopters to provide the Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF) with a comprehensive NH90 helicopter training solution.
in Defence Posted 14 March 2018
Qatar has signed a contract for the purchase of 28 NH90 military helicopters, during DIMDEX, Qatar’s biennial defence exhibition.
in Defence Posted 13 March 2018
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has signed a Memorandum of Intent with the UK Government aimed at finalising discussions for the purchase of 48 Typhoon Aircraft. The MoI was signed on 9 March, during a visit to the UK by Mohammed bin
in Defence / Features Posted 13 March 2018
Jon Lake reports on an unparalleled expansion for the Qatar Emiri Air Force
in Defence / Features Posted 5 March 2018
Jihadi militias sweeping across Iraq during 2014 and 15 saw many Middle Eastern government leaders breaking out into a sweat. As a direct result, several countries are now equipping their militaries to take on such armed groups, while at the same
in Defence Posted 26 February 2018
Over the past several months, UAE Air Force RQ-1E remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) aircrews have completed several courses being delivered by CAE Maritime Middle East (MME), including an RPA Sensor
in Defence / Training Posted 25 February 2018
Training company CAE revealed at UMEX event in Abu Dhabi today that over recent months, UAE Air Force RQ-1E remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) aircrews have completed several courses being delivered by its Maritime Middle East
in Defence / Features Posted 21 February 2018
Calidus, an Emirati industrial machinery and equipment company located in Abu Dhabi, unveiled its new B-250 light attack aircraft on the first day of the Dubai Air Show, after a campaign of teasing advertisements. Jon Lake reports.
in Defence Posted 14 February 2018
Lockheed Martin reached a major milestone with the delivery of its 400th C-130J Super Hercules aircraft on Feb. 9. This Super Hercules is an MC-130J Commando II Special Operations aircraft that is assigned to the U.S. Air
in Defence / Features Posted 9 February 2018
The Middle East is a keen acquirer of sophisticated military technology, so it is no wonder the region has taken an interest in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) procurement. Beth Stevenson reports.
in Defence Posted 9 February 2018
BAE Systems has been selected by Lockheed Martin to modernise head-up displays (HUD) on F-16 aircraft for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Armed Forces, replacing the fleet’s analog system with advanced digital technology.
in Defence / Features Posted 6 February 2018
The Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft ordered by Kuwait last November will be delivered to the latest Block III standards, which transform the already impressive Super Hornet into a fully networked fighter, fit for service into the 2040s. Jon Lake
in Defence / Training Posted 31 January 2018
Turkey's indigenous trainer Hurkus-B has successfully performed its first test flight at Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) facility.
in Defence / Features Posted 31 January 2018
A deal for between four and six P-8A maritime patrol aircraft was reportedly signed during a visit to Saudi Arabia by US President, Donald Trump, and his Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson. Jon Lake reports.
in Defence Posted 31 January 2018
On Sunday, 28 January, the Jordan Armed Forces (JAF) officially received the final shipment of new Black Hawk helicopters from the United States, bringing the total to 12 aircraft received over the last nine months.
in Defence / Features Posted 26 January 2018
Today’s asymmetric and counter-insurgency operations have placed a premium on persistent, cost-effective, armed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and close air support aircraft that are able to detect and engage fleeting targets, and that can
in Defence / Features Posted 23 January 2018
The Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) has inducted the first of its newly acquired Eurofighter Typhoon swing-role fighters and BAE Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers, ushering in a new era for one of the UK’s oldest and closest regional allies. Jon Lake reports.
in Defence / Features Posted 17 January 2018
BAE Systems has flown the demonstrator for a new so-called Advanced Hawk configuration. Jon Lake takes a look at the new aircraft.
in Defence / Features Posted 11 January 2018
The Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF) is in transition. With the recent delivery of the first Pilatus PC-21 trainer aircraft, it has taken a huge step forward in its future fighter pilot training capabilities. Frank Mink visited Amman to see the new arrival in action.
in Defence Posted 9 January 2018
Oman has filed a request to the USA’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) for a package of upgrades for its fleet of Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcons.
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