Leonardo has secured a contract from the United Arab Emirates to upgrade the Ministry of Defence’s communications network. Under the contract, the Italian defense technology company will design and modernize the Emirati military’s network, focusing on advanced encryption techniques to ensure the system is secure, integrated and interoperable. Initially launched in 2017, the initiative aims...
Category: Middle East
Fact Sheet Highlights Iran-Backed Cyber Actors Targeting Individuals Associated With National Political Organizations
The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the FBI said malicious cyber actors affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps are targeting personal and business online accounts of people associated with national political organizations and those involved in Iranian and Middle Eastern affairs. In a joint fact sheet, the agencies warned that the IRGC...
Report: Cerebras Anticipates CFIUS Decision Regarding Investment by Emirati Tech Group
The initial public offering of American artificial intelligence firm Cerebras Systems may be delayed due to national security considerations regarding a planned investment by G42. According to a Reuters report, Cerebras’s IPO roadshow was scheduled for early next week, but the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States has yet to complete its review...
Australia Enhances Readiness to Secure Civilians Amid Rising Middle East Tension
Some Australian Defence Force personnel and aircraft are deployed to the Middle East as part of Operation Beech to assist Australian citizens and approved foreign nationals in case the security situation in the region deteriorates further due to the ongoing Hamas-Israel conflict. The Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force personnel and C-130J aircraft were...
Xage Security Boosts Global Expansion Goal in Two New Executive Appointments
Zero trust cybersecurity company Xage Security has named Russell McGuire its global chief revenue officer and Ashraf Daqqa its vice president for the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa. The new appointments affirm the Palo Alto, California-based technology company’s goal of broadening its market abroad, Xage said in a statement Monday. Commenting on the new appointments,...
US Includes Data Centers in Preapproval Program to Boost AI Development, National Security
The U.S. Department of Commerce has expanded its Validated End User program to include foreign data centers, allowing for general authorization of imported designated items rather than requiring multiple individual permits for exporters. The Bureau of Industry and Security within the department said data centers seeking to be part of the VEU program must pass through an interagency review, a rigorouse process that aims to establish safeguards that prevent the diversion or misuse of U.S. technology in ways that could harm national security. “This update will contribute to the development of a trusted ecosystem for the responsible use of advanced computing and artificial intelligence,” said the BIS announcement.
US Approves Egypt’s Proposed Stinger Missiles FMS Deal
Egypt has received approval from the U.S. Department of State on its proposed acquisition of 720 Stinger missiles and other related equipment and services from RTX. Made under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program, the potential deal, valued at $740 million, includes non-major defense equipment items such as engineering, technical and logistics support services. The Stingers will be mounted on the Egyptian government's Avenger air defense systems.
Saab Completes Delivery of Five GlobalEye Aircraft to UAE
Swedish defense company Saab has delivered the United Arab Emirates’ fifth and final order of GlobalEye airborne early warning and control aircraft under a $1 billion deal signed in 2015. The initial contract required the delivery of three aircraft, but the Emirates exercised an option to purchase two additional planes in 2020. The company completed...
Leonardo DRS Named Principal Contractor for Israel’s Potential $164M Heavy-Duty Tank Trailer Procurement
Leonardo DRS will be the principal contractor of a potential foreign military sale of heavy-duty tank trailers and related equipment to the Israeli government. The proposed deal, worth $164.6 million, has secured Department of State approval, allowing Israel to procure more HDTT units and equipment in addition to the previously approved FMS request for the...
Iraq Adding Airbus H225M to Army Aviation Command Helicopter Fleet
Airbus Helicopters has secured a contract to supply Iraq with 12 H225M multi-mission helicopters for deployment to the Iraqi Army Aviation Command, with deliveries scheduled to start in 2025. Baghdad announced the procurement of the aircraft on Friday. The aircraft will join Iraq’s helicopter fleet of Airbus H125, H135 and H145. Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno...