Analysis & Reports

The U.S. approved a $9 billion arms deal to supply Saudi Arabia with 720 PAC-3 MSE missiles amid rising tensions with Iran. The Pentagon is facing a critical shortage of interceptor missiles, prompting Saudi Arabia to enhance its own defense capabilities. This shift reflects a strategic transition in U.S.-Gulf defense relations, moving from direct military support to enabling local defense systems.

Ahmed Al-RashidFri Feb 06 2026Loading...

The US State Department authorized a possible Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to Iraq to provide logistical support for passenger vehicle scanning systems. This potential aid package is valued at approximately $90 million.

The World Defense Show is set to take place next week in Saudi Arabia, featuring various defense industry participants. This event is the largest of its kind in the Kingdom, highlighting advancements and discussions in military and defense sectors.

The U.S. approved a $3 billion maintenance deal for the Royal Saudi Air Force's F-15 fleet, reflecting a strategic shift in Gulf military procurement. This agreement coincides with Saudi Arabia's designation as a Major Non-NATO Ally, enhancing its access to U.S. defense resources. The total defense investment in recent months exceeds $14 billion, focusing on multi-layered defense capabilities and operational readiness.

Ahmed Al-RashidFri Feb 06 2026Loading...

U.S. and Russia are negotiating the continuation of the New START treaty in Abu Dhabi, aiming to limit nuclear arsenals. The discussions have been ongoing for the past 24 hours, with both sides expressing a commitment to strategic stability. Additionally, they agreed to resume high-level military dialogue, which had been paused since the escalation of the Ukraine crisis in 2021.

Russia and Ukraine concluded a prisoner exchange agreement involving 314 individuals during their talks in Abu Dhabi on February 5, 2023. While the discussions were described as constructive, they yielded limited results on ceasefire and territorial issues. Future negotiations are planned to continue in Abu Dhabi, with potential discussions in the U.S. Meanwhile, U.S. and Iran are set to resume nuclear negotiations in Oman, despite ongoing military threats from the U.S.

The New START treaty between the U.S. and Russia expired, eliminating limits on their nuclear arsenals. President Trump called for a new nuclear agreement that includes China, which has declined to participate. Russia expressed regret over the treaty's end and stated it would maintain a responsible approach to nuclear stability. Meanwhile, the U.S. and Russia agreed to reestablish high-level military dialogue after a two-year suspension.

The New START treaty between the U.S. and Russia expired, eliminating limits on their nuclear arsenals. President Trump called for a new nuclear agreement that includes China, which has declined to participate. Russia expressed regret over the treaty's end and stated it would maintain a responsible approach to nuclear stability. Meanwhile, the U.S. and Russia agreed to reestablish high-level military dialogue after a two-year suspension.

The U.S. and Russia reestablished high-level military dialogue in Abu Dhabi, marking the first such communication in over four years. Concurrently, a prisoner exchange took place, with 157 Russian servicemen and 150 Ukrainian servicemen being exchanged. This development signals a potential thaw in relations amid ongoing tensions related to the war in Ukraine.

The U.S. and Russia agreed to reestablish high-level military dialogue in Abu Dhabi, marking the first such communication in over four years. Concurrently, a prisoner exchange was conducted, with 157 Russian servicemen and 150 Ukrainian servicemen being exchanged. This development reflects ongoing efforts to ease tensions and work towards a resolution in the Ukraine conflict.

The U.S. and Russia agreed to resume high-level military dialogue in Abu Dhabi on February 5, 2023. This communication channel had been suspended since the fall of 2021 due to the Ukraine crisis. U.S. European Command Commander Alexus G. Grinkevich discussed this with senior military officials from both Russia and Ukraine, aiming to enhance transparency and reduce tensions.

Lockheed Martin is opening a command and control software factory in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as part of efforts to localize defense production. The facility will enable rapid development of software applications tailored to Saudi operational requirements and enhance cooperation between US and Saudi defense sectors. This initiative supports Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals for technological autonomy and aims to deepen local technical expertise.

Palestinian Islamic Jihad officials announced on February 4, 2024, that Palestinian resistance factions will continue to hold weapons while showing flexibility in their use during ceasefire negotiations in Gaza. They accused Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu of fabricating excuses to continue military actions against Gaza. The Rafah crossing has reopened under strict conditions, but the Israeli government maintains that Hamas must be disarmed before any reconstruction efforts can begin.

Middle Eastern leaders successfully lobbied the Trump administration to resume U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations, originally set for February 6 in Oman. Concerns about potential military actions prompted at least nine countries to urge the U.S. to continue the talks. U.S. officials expressed skepticism but agreed to hold the meeting to respect regional allies and pursue diplomatic avenues.

Nuclear talks between Iran and the United States are set to occur in Oman on Friday, focusing on Iran's nuclear program. The discussions come amid heightened tensions following Iran's crackdown on protests and U.S. military actions in the region. U.S. officials remain skeptical about the talks' success, despite Iran's leadership indicating a willingness to negotiate.

Nuclear talks between Iran and the United States are set to occur in Oman on Friday, focusing on Iran's nuclear program. The discussions come amid heightened tensions following Iran's crackdown on protests and U.S. military actions in the region. U.S. officials remain skeptical about the talks' success, while Iranian leaders express a desire for equitable negotiations. The format of the talks has shifted from Turkey to Oman, reflecting regional diplomatic efforts.

Iran and the U.S. are set to negotiate in Oman on February 6, focusing on nuclear issues and sanctions. Iranian officials emphasize their non-negotiable stance on uranium enrichment and missile capabilities. Concurrently, military tensions have escalated in the Arabian Sea and the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran's military leadership warning of potential retaliation against Israel in the event of U.S. aggression.

ARES Shipyard is establishing ARES Naval in Saudi Arabia, with shipyards planned in Dammam and Jeddah. The initiative aims to manufacture naval platforms and support the Saudi Navy, aligning with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 for defense production localization. ARES will hold the majority of shares and is also exploring co-production opportunities in the Gulf Cooperation Council region.

Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. are conducting negotiations in Abu Dhabi on April 4-5, 2023, focusing on the Ukraine conflict. Ukrainian President Zelensky affirmed that Ukraine will not surrender and is open to dialogue. NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg highlighted NATO's commitment to Ukraine, while Russia launched significant strikes against Ukrainian military targets on April 3, 2023, undermining de-escalation efforts.

President Trump criticized the Canadian aerospace industry for delaying the certification of US-made Gulfstream jets. He highlighted the potential impact on military procurement and discussed upcoming defense conferences in Saudi Arabia and California, where significant developments regarding the F-35 and naval technology are expected.