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.
in Defence / Features Posted 5 January 2018
As Qatar surprises many analysts with its order for the Eurofighter Typhoon, Jon Lake explains why the procurement strategy makes sense.
in Defence / General Aviation Posted 27 December 2017
Chinese automotive and aviation company Wanfeng has bought the majority of shares in Austria’s Diamond Aircraft, the fourth largest general aviation manufacturer in the world.
in Defence / Features Posted 27 December 2017
In addition to its openly acknowledged procurement of three Saab GlobalEye airborne early warning aircraft, based on Bombardier’s Global 6000 platform, the UAE is also set to receive two further Global 6000s converted for electronic intelligence
in Defence Posted 7 December 2017
Qatar has taken up the option to buy 12 additional Dassault Rafale fighters announcing the deal at a event with the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, and HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani,from the Qatar
in Defence Posted 7 December 2017
The UAE and Saudi Arabia have formed a new alliance on a wide range of key areas including defence, political institutions and the economy.
in Defence Posted 16 November 2017
Thales is to establish a dedicated UAE Defence Service Centre in Abu Dhabi, with the goal of being closer to its customers and to offer a consolidated suite of services.
in Defence Posted 15 November 2017
The United Arab Emirates Air Force & Air Defence has ordered five Airbus C295 medium transport aircraft.
in Defence Posted 13 November 2017
The JF-17 Thunder will be returning to the Dubai Air Show this year following its absence in 2015. Alan Warnes reports.
in Defence Posted 13 November 2017
Airland Textron flew its Scorpion ISR light attack aircraft into Dubai on Thursday from Saudi Arabia.
in Defence Posted 12 November 2017
Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) president and CEO, Dr Temel Kotil, is a man on a mission at the show. Alan Warnes discovers why.
in Defence / Features Posted 20 October 2017
A group of 20 Republican and two Democrat members of the US House of Representatives, led by Congressman Duncan Hunter, have written to President Donald Trump asking him to approve export sales of the General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper armed
in Defence / Features Posted 12 October 2017
Lebanon has never had a lot of money to spend on defence. As Alan Dron reports, its latest purchase, although modest, has an important role to play in maintaining the small nation's territorial integrity from Daesh terrorists.
in Defence / Business Aviation Posted 10 October 2017
Special mission operators in harsh environments such as the Middle East will benefit from a new modification to the King Air 350ER currently being tested by Texas-based Blackhawk Modifications.
in Defence / Features Posted 9 October 2017
Jon Lake looks at the latest moves in the UAE's long-running search for a next-generation fighter.
in Defence / Features Posted 28 September 2017
The Iraq Air Force is aiming to decrease its overseas training requirements.
It aims to improve its ability to train its pilots and maintenance technicians while significantly reducing costs and also enhancing its ability to take over the sustainment of its
in Defence / Features Posted 25 September 2017
The Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) has completed the latest in a reciprocal series of joint exercises with the Indian Air Force (IAF). Jon Lake reports.
in Defence / Airports Posted 20 September 2017
Rubb Buildings has linked up with Saudi Arabian company, Haji Abdullah Alireza to work on a number of significant aircraft hangar projects together. The two companies consolidated their relationship at DSEI, the London defence show,
in Defence / Features Posted 19 September 2017
The UAE is developing closer defence ties with India, as Jon Lake discovers.
in Defence Posted 18 September 2017
BAE Systems and its Eurofighter consortium – including Leonardo and Airbus – are still on cloud nine following this week's order for 24 Typhoon fighters from Qatar.
in Defence Posted 14 September 2017
Formal steps are being taken to allow Bahrain to order a further 19 F-16V aircraft according to papers released in Washington.
in Defence Posted 14 September 2017
Russian Helicopters together with Iran Helicopter Support and Renewal Company (IHSRC) successfully completed testing of the light multirole helicopter Ka-226T that was carried out in Iran in August–September 2017.
in Defence / Features Posted 13 September 2017
Iran paraded many new defence products and capabilities during a major show in April but what was actual achievement and what was merely propaganda? Babak Taghvaee sorts out the fact from the fiction.
in Defence Posted 6 September 2017
Russian Helicopters Holding is to present the Russain and international audience with a brand new utility helicopter Ka-62.
in Defence / Airports Posted 12 August 2017
An American Navy F-18 crashed on the runway at Bahrain's Muharraq International Airport today (Saturday).
in Defence Posted 10 August 2017
Raytheon Company has announced that Kurt Amend will become Chief Executive of the Raytheon Arabia business unit.
in Defence Posted 31 July 2017
Boeing will build and test three U.S. Army CH-47F Block II Chinook helicopters as part of a modernisation effort that will likely bring another two decades of work to the company's Philadelphia site.
in Defence Posted 11 July 2017
The Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) has ordered Lockheed Martin Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods (ATP) for its F-16 fleet, becoming the 25th international customer for the programme.
in Defence Posted 11 July 2017
Lockheed Martin has received a direct commercial sale contract from the Bahrain Defense Force (BDF) to provide Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods (ATP) for its F-16 fleet, becoming the 25th international customer for
in Defence Posted 10 July 2017
Since the beginning of July 2017 Sukhoi Superjet 100 has successfully performed flights to one of the oldest airports of Northern Europe – Bromma (Sweden). It has relatively short runway of 1660 m and it is situated
in Defence Posted 27 June 2017
The Royal Air Force of Oman has received its first Eurofighter Typhoon combat jet - part of a batch of 12 - with its arrival marked with a ceremony, held last week in the presence of the Commander of the Royal Air Force of Oman - Air Vice-Marshal Mattar bin Ali bin Mattar Al
in Defence / Training Posted 20 June 2017
Airbus Helicopters has selected Thales to provide flight and training solutions for Kuwait Air Force and National Guard H225M Caracal transport helicopters
in Defence Posted 20 June 2017
Airbus Helicopters recently started autonomous flight trials of a VSR700 Optionally Piloted Vehicle (OPV) demonstrator, paving the way for a first flight of the actual VSR700 prototype in 2018.
in Defence Posted 19 June 2017
Thales has been selected by Airbus Helicopters to provide the Kuwait forces with flight and mission training solutions for the pilots and crews of its Caracal helicopters.
in Defence Posted 16 June 2017
The State of Qatar and the United States signed on Wednesday an agreement for the purchase of F-15 fighter jets, with an initial cost of $12 billion.
in Defence Posted 13 June 2017
Air Partner's aviation safety consultancy company Baines Simmons has been awarded a contract to provide aviation safety consultancy services to the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO).
in Defence Posted 1 June 2017
Thirteen high-ranking Turkish military officials were killed yesterday when their helicopter crashed in the south east of the country,
In a statement, the army said the AS 532 Cougar had crashed shortly after taking off
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