Analysis & Reports

Turkish Naval Forces conducted the TURNAs-2026 exercise in the Gulf of Antalya and eastern Mediterranean from October 19 to 27, 2026, utilizing the Barkan unmanned ground vehicle for amphibious raids and urban warfare training. The exercise involved 18 ships, 11 aircraft, and various unmanned systems, showcasing the integration of unmanned and crewed forces in military operations.

Turkish Aerospace’s Aksungur drone successfully completed anti-submarine warfare tests using the aselBUOY 100P system during the TURNAs-2026 exercise in the Gulf of Antalya and eastern Mediterranean on October 24, 2023. The exercise involved 18 ships, 11 aircraft, and various unmanned systems, showcasing Turkey's advancements in naval operations and drone capabilities.

UAE and France revived the Rafale F5 program on October 23, 2026, with a joint framework valued at 3.5 billion euros. This initiative aims to enhance Gulf air independence and influence European air power. The UAE plans to secure early leverage in aircraft design and systems while maintaining a degree of independence from U.S. military supply chains. France benefits by securing funding and sustaining its defense industrial capabilities.

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The Saudi-led coalition intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched by Houthi forces towards Riyadh on October 24, 2023. The interception occurred around 4 AM, with local residents hearing explosions and receiving air defense alerts. Earlier that day, the coalition also intercepted a drone in eastern Saudi Arabia.

Barzan Holdings unveiled over a dozen new defense platforms at the Milipol 2026 exhibition in Doha, including FPV drones and unmanned surface vessels. This initiative is part of Qatar's efforts to expand its domestic defense industry amid regional security challenges. Additionally, Barzan announced a joint venture with Ukrainian company Carmine Sky to develop integrated air defense capabilities.

Saudi Arabia is expanding its ballistic missile factory in al-Duwadimi to produce larger solid-fuel missiles capable of longer ranges and heavier payloads. This expansion, observed through satellite imagery, began in April 2025 and may enhance Saudi military capabilities against Iran and Houthi forces. The development could also affect U.S.-Saudi relations concerning nuclear agreements.

EDGE reached full-rate production of the automated 40x53mm grenade ammunition line in Abu Dhabi on 22 October 2026. The line can produce up to 1.5 million rounds annually and operates fully automated, enhancing efficiency and reducing manual labor. This initiative is part of EDGE's commitment to Industry 4.0 standards, aiming to improve manufacturing processes across its facilities.

Saudi Arabian forces intercepted 11 Houthi drones and 1 ballistic missile on October 23, 2026, near Riyadh. This interception occurred during a wave of nighttime attacks, raising concerns about the effectiveness of Saudi air defenses in a prolonged conflict. The situation highlights the ongoing regional tensions involving Iran and its proxies, with Egypt also seeking to negotiate regarding Yemen.

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The Saudi-led coalition intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile and two drones launched by Houthi forces towards Riyadh on October 23, 2023. Explosions were reported in the city around 3 AM, following air defense alerts sent to residents. The coalition confirmed that the threat was neutralized shortly after the incidents.

Qatar is enhancing its military capabilities by exploring new defense partnerships, particularly with the UK, and developing a domestic weapons-production hub. This initiative follows regional threats, including an Israeli strike and Iranian attacks. The Qatari government aims to focus on air defense, counter-drone capabilities, and cybersecurity as part of its defense strategy.

The U.S. Navy is adapting its strategy in response to advanced Iranian and Chinese anti-ship capabilities, moving its blockade line away from the Strait of Hormuz. With only three of the mandated 11 aircraft carriers deployable at a time, the Navy is reconsidering the role of aircraft carriers in modern warfare, emphasizing the need for smaller, more agile systems and increased submarine production.

Turkey's Ministry of National Defence delivered a new batch of Tayfun Block 2 ballistic missiles to the Turkish Land Forces Command on October 22, 2026. This delivery marks at least the third batch of these missiles in 2026, enhancing Turkey's missile capabilities with a range exceeding 500 km. The Tayfun Block 2 is designed for precision strikes against high-value military targets.

The Turkish Land Forces conducted the Atiş Serbest 2026 exercise at the General Nahit Şenoğul firing area, southeast of Ankara, focusing on improving coordination and testing new military technologies. The exercise featured the use of AI for target planning and indirect fire, along with various UAVs and missile systems. Media representatives were invited by the Turkish Ministry of Defense to observe the event.

The Missile Defense Agency extended Raytheon's contract for the AN/TPY-2 missile defense radars by $394 million, raising the total contract value to nearly $3 billion. This extension allows Raytheon to continue operating and maintaining the radars until October 31, 2028, supporting eight THAAD batteries across various locations, including Fort Bliss and South Korea. The radars have faced damage during the ongoing conflict with Iran.

Houthi forces launched 4 ballistic missiles at Raiyan International Airport in Hadhramaut Governorate, Yemen, on October 21, causing significant explosions. The attack targeted military equipment that had been delivered to the airport by Saudi Arabia. No casualties or specific damage reports have been confirmed. Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree warned Saudi Arabia against using civilian airports for military purposes.

Britain is deploying Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets to Saudi Arabia to conduct defensive counter-air missions against Houthi missiles and drones. This decision, announced by the UK Defense Ministry on October 20, 2023, aims to protect Saudi cities and critical infrastructure. The UK has already provided air defense equipment and personnel to assist in countering missile threats.

On October 20, the Saudi-led coalition destroyed a missile launch platform used by Houthi forces in Yemen. The coalition intercepted a ballistic missile targeting Riyadh and also shot down a drone in Riyadh Province. Residents reported hearing explosions, and air defense alerts were issued via mobile applications.

The Turkish Land Forces conducted the Atiş Serbest 2026 fire coordination exercise in mid-October 2026, showcasing advanced military capabilities. The exercise involved various units and equipment, including UAVs, artillery, and loitering munitions, demonstrating improved coordination among branches. New technologies and tactics were tested, highlighting the integration of unmanned systems and electronic warfare.

On October 20, the Saudi-led coalition intercepted and destroyed a drone in the Riyadh area. The coalition also reported the interception and destruction of a ballistic missile launched towards Riyadh by Houthi forces.

Turkey's Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz announced a projected 229% increase in defense procurement spending for 2027 during a budget proposal ceremony in Ankara. The proposed budget includes $44.5 billion for defense and $25.2 billion for internal security, with a focus on enhancing domestic defense capabilities. This announcement follows recent military exercises demonstrating Turkey's offensive and defensive capabilities.