Israel has inaugurated a new office focused on artificial intelligence and autonomous systems. The Israeli Ministry of Defense launched the AI and Autonomy Administration during a ceremony on Tuesday, led by its director general, Eyal Zamir, and attended by several other government and military officials. Zamir, a retired major general, has advocated for a collaboration integrating...
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Category: Middle East
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US OKs Potential Sale of MK 54 Torpedoes to Saudi Arabia
The United States has approved a potential sale of MK 54 MOD 0 lightweight torpedoes to Saudi Arabia. The deal, worth an estimated $78.5 million, includes 20 torpedoes, spare parts, and engineering, training and logistical support. According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the sale aims to upgrade Saudi Arabia’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities and enhance...
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Report: Kremlin Pursuing AI Collaboration With China, Other BRICS Members
Russian President Vladimir Putin has directed his government and Sberbank, the largest bank in Russia, to work with China on developing artificial intelligence. The directive, published on the Kremlin’s website on Wednesday, follows Putin’s announcement in December regarding Russia’s intention to collaborate with other BRICS member countries to advance AI technology, according to a Reuters...
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Airbus to Deliver New Helicopters to Bahrain
Bahrain has tapped European aerospace manufacturer Airbus to deliver nine H145 helicopters for the Police Aviation Command fleet. Representatives from the government led by visiting Minister of Interior Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa formalized the deal in Marignane, France. The new helicopters will be used for law enforcement operations and emergency medical services. The...
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New Insitu Drone Maintenance Center Opens in Abu Dhabi
Insitu, a subsidiary of Boeing, has inaugurated a new facility in the United Arab Emirates to provide maintenance, repair and overhaul services of uncrewed aircraft systems for the UAE military. Located at Abu Dhabi’s Tawazun Industrial Park, the company’s UAS Center of Excellence will also support local employment and Emirati content integration, Insitu said Thursday....
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Space42, ICEYE Partner to Produce Satellite Imagery Spacecraft in UAE
United Arab Emirates-based space technology company Space42 has formed a joint venture with Finnish microsatellite manufacturer ICEYE to produce synthetic aperture radar satellites in its assembly, integration and testing and low Earth orbit mission operations facilities in Abu Dhabi. According to ICEYE, the joint venture will support the Middle Eastern nation’s Earth Observation Program, which...
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Parsons to Manage Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Road Development Project
Saudi Arabia’s Royal Commission for Riyadh City has awarded Parsons a $53 million, three-year contract to manage the kingdom’s Main and Ring Roads Program. The project aims to develop 500 kilometers of new and upgraded roads in Saudi Arabia’s capital. Under the contract, Parsons will oversee construction activities as the program management officer, ensuring smooth...
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UK to Join US-Bahrain Security Framework
The United Kingdom will join the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement, a security framework between the United States and Bahrain. According to a Breaking Defense report, Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani confirmed the news during the Manama Dialogue on Friday. The U.S. Department of State described the framework, signed in September...
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US, Bahrain Collaborate to Ensure Safe Maritime Navigation in Middle East
The United States and Bahrain are collaborating on the Geospatial Acceleration Initiative to improve navigation for their maritime forces in the Middle East. The cooperation will see the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and several Bahraini organizations generate and share hydrographic, aeronautical and topographic geospatial foundation data, ensuring freedom of navigation in the region’s waters. The White...
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Israel Bares Acquisition Plans for New Missile Ships, Tactical Vehicles
Israel has greenlit the procurement of new advanced naval vessels and armored vehicles, following recommendations from the Nagel Commission on force building. The government established the commission after the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks to review the country’s defense acquisitions and enhancements. The multibillion-dollar deals approved by the Israel Military Procurement Ministerial Committee will include five...