Analysis & Reports

Defense firms from around the world are set to showcase their products at the World Defense Show in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2026. Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) will present over 60 national products, while more than 50 Chinese defense firms, including CATIC and NORINCO, will also participate. Russian state-owned Rosoboronexport will debut its multiple rocket launcher Sarma, and Western companies like Lockheed Martin and Boeing will highlight their advanced military equipment.

Iranian armed forces will enter the highest level of alert status starting from the evening of February 6, as announced by an official from the Iranian Foreign Ministry. This marks the highest alert level in several days or even months.

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.

Leonardo Aviation Services is managing the Eurofighter programme for the Kuwait Air Force, providing logistics support and training for the fleet of 28 Typhoon aircraft. The last two aircraft were delivered on 6 November 2025, completing the contract. The company employs over 220 personnel and aims to increase this number while ensuring high fleet availability and operational support under a performance-based contract.

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 Japanese forces conducted joint cold weather exercises in Hokkaido, focusing on fire support and mobility. Turkish forces tested the Free Bird aircraft in extreme cold, while UK forces enhanced Arctic capabilities through operations in Norway. Finland is providing training for NATO allies in cold weather operations, reflecting a broader trend of military readiness in response to geopolitical tensions.

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.

Three U.S. Air National Guard pilots were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for their successful defense against Iranian drones and missiles targeting Israel on April 13, 2024, while deployed at Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia. The pilots, flying F-16s, intercepted and destroyed multiple aerial threats, contributing to a high success rate in intercepting Iranian attacks. Their actions were part of a larger operation involving U.S. Central Command.

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.

Israel has been approved to purchase 30 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters to enhance its military capabilities following recent conflicts. This decision marks a significant shift in the Israel Defense Forces' procurement strategy, moving away from previous plans to reduce manned rotorcraft. The helicopters are expected to play a crucial role in urban warfare and commando operations, reflecting lessons learned from the recent war.

TAG Dynamics has developed the VELOX Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) in the UAE, designed for rapid movement and modular payload integration. The vehicle can carry up to 1,000 kilograms and reach speeds of 175 kilometers per hour, making it suitable for infantry units requiring transport and reconnaissance capabilities. Its lightweight design balances mobility and durability, catering to modern military needs.

Israel's Ministry of Defense signed a $130 million agreement with Elbit Systems to integrate advanced Israeli technologies into 12 CH-53K helicopters. This deal aims to replace the aging CH-53 Yas'ur fleet and enhance the operational capabilities of the Israeli Air Force. The integration includes avionics, command-and-control systems, and electronic warfare equipment, ensuring the helicopters meet Israel's unique combat requirements.

On February 5, 2026, the Israel Ministry of Defense signed a $130 million deal with Elbit Systems to integrate advanced Israeli technologies into 12 CH-53K helicopters. This integration includes command and control, avionics, electronic warfare systems, and an anti-missile DIRCM system, enhancing the operational capabilities of the Israeli Air Force. The helicopters are set to replace the IDF's aging Yas'ur helicopters and are currently being assembled in Connecticut.

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.

Kalashnikov Concern unveiled the RUS-PE loitering munition system at the World Defense Show in Riyadh, scheduled for February 8 to February 12. The system closely replicates Israel's Hero-90 loitering munition, designed for precision strikes on stationary and moving targets. It features an X-shaped aerodynamic configuration and operates in autonomous, semi-autonomous, and manual modes.