USS Gerald Ford the second aircraft carrier sent to Middle East: Report
The USS Gerald Ford set out on deployment in late June 2025, which means the crew will have been deployed for eight months in two weeks time.
Mideast Africa
Syria says its forces have taken over al-Tanf base after handover from US
The military outpost was run for years by U.S. troops as part of the war against the Islamic State group.
Erdoğan pitches KAAN fighter jet as an alternative to Western warplanes
He described KAAN as a symbol of Turkey’s strategic autonomy, noting that discussions with Saudi Arabia included the possibility of shared investment.
Russian stealth jets have arrived in North Africa, as filmed by Algerian potato farmer
The U.S. government considers the deal problematic, threatening sanctions.
Iran, US to hold nuclear talks Friday as tensions remain high
Tensions between the countries spiked after President Trump suggested the U.S. might use force against Iran in response to the crackdown on protesters.
Russia to showcase new MLRS at Saudi weapons show, seeking local ties
The decision to premiere the system in Riyadh underscores Rosoboronexport’s continued interest in Middle Eastern markets.
Iran puts ‘fingers on trigger’ as US armada arrives in Middle East
Iranian officials asserted that the nation's armed forces stand ready “to immediately and powerfully” counter any aggression by U.S. forces.
Elbit bets on UK as its European drone sales hub
Elbit’s full ownership of UTACS comes about a year after the British government decided to gradually phase its Watchkeepers out of military service.
Turkey, Qatar deepen defense ties with multiple deals at naval expo
The deals underline how Ankara and Doha are moving beyond buyer–seller relations toward joint ventures and localized production of defense equipment.
New Trophy deal expands defensive suite’s Leopard 2 A8 tank user base
The active protection system by Israel's Rafael will go on tanks in Lithuania, the Netherlands, Czech Republic and Croatia under a $351 million deal.
US completes withdrawal from al-Asad airbase, Iraq says
The move brings to a close more than two decades of American military presence in the western part of the country.
Hands full at home, Iran is seen slowing cyber attacks on UK
The CEO of Leonardo UK said online bot activity promoting the independence of Scotland from the UK reduced as Iranian authorities were crushing protests.
Trump faces sharper questions over possible military action on Iran
The White House insists military options remain “on the table” regarding Iran, with the Islamic Republic convulsed by nationwide protests.
French UN troops in Lebanon jam, chase off drone coming from Israel
According to a UNIFIL spokesperson, peacekeeping forces were “aggressively” approached by the drone that flew as close as 30 meters above them.
US forces in Qatar eye evacuating some personnel amid Iran tension
The decision to move personnel comes in the wake of a senior official in Iran bringing up an earlier Iranian attack on U.S. troops there.
Where Trump has threatened to strike next
President Donald Trump fired rhetorical warning shots at several governments across the globe this week.
Turkey begins 2026 with defense-spending numbers trending up
The higher-than-projected increase reflects not only inflation adjustments but also Ankara’s commitment to sustained defense investment.
