Al Defaiya

05/12/2024

The U.S. State Department has approved a potential $107.7 million Foreign Military Sale to Tunisia, including 184 Javelin missiles and related support to bolster Tunisia’s defense capabilities. This sale aims to strengthen Tunisia's security, supporting U.S. foreign policy and regional stability. The prime contractors will be Lockheed Martin and RTX Corporation.

The U.S. State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Tunisia of Javelin Missiles and related elements of logistics and program support for an estimated cost of $107.7 million.

05/12/2024

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman met with South African Minister Angie Motshekga to strengthen defense ties.

Meanwhile, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed partnerships, signing an MoU for a Strategic Partnership Council

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz received in Riyadh on Tuesday South African Minister of Defense and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga.

05/12/2024

Bahrain proudly hosts the inaugural Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Military Shooting Championship, uniting the armed forces of the GCC in a display of precision and strength. With fierce competition in rifle, machine gun, and pistol events, Bahrain leads the way, advancing in multiple categories.

This prestigious event fosters unity and collaboration among the GCC nations while promoting military excellence.



https://www.defaiya.com/news/Defense%20News/Asia/2024/12/05/bahrain-hosts-first-gcc-military-shooting-championship

04/12/2024

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum attended the UAE Armed Forces ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of the National and Reserve Service Law and the 53rd National Day in Abu Dhabi.

The event, attended by UAE leaders, celebrated loyalty, patriotism, and national service, with the largest military parade in the UAE’s history. Sheikh Mohammed praised the nation’s youth and their dedication to upholding the legacy of the Founding Fathers.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, attended a ceremony organised by the Ministry of Defence on 02 December in the Al Sameeh area in Abu Dhabi to mark the 10th anniversary of the National and Reserve Service Law.

04/12/2024

GA-ASI held its first Blue Magic Netherlands event in Eindhoven on November 19, 2024, bringing together Dutch businesses and industry leaders to showcase innovative technologies. The event, supported by Dutch government and defense bodies, focused on key areas like AI, sensors, advanced materials, and autonomy. GA-ASI aims to foster partnerships for breakthrough innovations to support future missions.

On November 19, 2024, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) hosted its first Blue Magic Netherlands (BMN) event in Eindhoven, the Netherlands.

04/12/2024

The ‘Tuwaiq 4’ joint air exercise began at Prince Sultan Air Base, bringing together forces from eight nations, including the UAE, Qatar, and the UK, to enhance cooperation and tactical readiness. ✈🇸🇦 Led by Saudi Colonel Pilot Mohammed Al Khanfour, the two-week exercise focuses on tactical landings and combat missions, fostering shared expertise among air, technical, and support personnel. Observers from Bahrain and Egypt are also present.

The ‘Tuwaiq 4’ joint air exercise maneuvers began at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, in the presence of unit commanders and with the participation of forces from various brotherly and friendly nations.

04/12/2024

The Egyptian Armed Forces strengthened ties with the French Military Academy Saint-Cyr during a visit to the Military Technical College, focusing on advanced technological education. Meanwhile, the 3rd Annual Scientific Conference on Medical Research showcased Egypt’s commitment to modernizing healthcare, with experts from Egypt and abroad enhancing medical standards.



https://www.defaiya.com/news/Regional%20News/Egypt/2024/12/04/egypt-s-military-technical-college-receives-delegation-from-french-military-academy-saint-cyr-co-tquidan

02/12/2024

Khalifa University of Science and Technology has signed an MoU with Lockheed Martin to expand their collaboration in advancing aerospace and defense technologies in the UAE. The agreement, signed by Prof. Ebrahim Al Hajri and Frank St. John, will see Lockheed Martin's Center for Innovation and Security Solutions (CISS) expand to Khalifa University’s Main Campus. This partnership strengthens the UAE’s global leadership in defense capabilities while fostering human capital development.

Khalifa University of Science and Technology and Lockheed Martin, a leader in global security and aerospace, announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to broaden their collaboration in advancing aerospace and defense technologies and fostering human capital development in the UAE.

02/12/2024

Otokar has officially signed an agreement with Romania’s Ministry of National Defense to supply 1,059 COBRA II 4x4 light tactical armored vehicles, valued at €857 million. The first 278 vehicles will be produced in Türkiye, with the remainder manufactured in Romania. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in late 2025, spanning over 5 years. The COBRA II offers superior mobility, high protection, and adaptability for different mission requirements, making it a valuable asset for Romania's defense capabilities.

On November 27, 2024, Otokar signed the agreement through which Romania’s Ministry of National Defense awarded the company the supply of the 1,059 COBRA II 4x4 light tactical armored vehicles at a value equivalent to approximately 857 million euro (excluding VAT).

02/12/2024

General Said Chanegriha, Chief of Staff of the Algerian Army, held fruitful meetings with Kuwaiti officials during his official visit, strengthening bilateral military cooperation between Algeria and Kuwait. The discussions highlighted the deep fraternal ties and shared vision of the two nations in defense and regional stability.

General Said Chanegriha, Delegate Minister to Algerian Minister of National Defence, Chief of People’s National Army Staff, begins an official visit to the State of Kuwait on 24 November 2024.

02/12/2024

Qatar Airways has been selected by Honeywell as an official MRO provider for the Airbus A350's HGT1700 APU, marking a major milestone in the region. This partnership supports Qatar's Vision 2030, creating high-skilled jobs and reinforcing Qatar Airways' leadership in the global aviation MRO sector. ✈🔧

Qatar Airways has been selected by Honeywell as an official Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) provider for the Airbus A350’s Auxiliary Power Units (APUs).

02/12/2024

General Abdel Mageed Saqr, Commander-in-Chief of the Egyptian Armed Forces, inspected units preparing for an African Union mission, reaffirming Egypt's commitment to international peace and security. He praised the forces' advanced training and readiness to uphold regional stability.

General Abdel Mageed Saqr, Commander-in-Chief of the Egyptian Armed Forces and Minister of Defense and Military Production, inspected several Armed Forces units scheduled to participate in a mission under the African Union.

02/12/2024

Major General Sheikh Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Kuwait Army, visited the Amiri Guard to assess their readiness for the 45th GCC Summit. He praised the guard’s efforts in securing the event and emphasized their vital role in Kuwait's security framework.



https://www.defaiya.com/news/Security/Security/2024/12/01/kuwait-s-deputy-chief-of-staff-reviews-amiri-guard-s-readiness-for-45th-gcc-summit

29/11/2024

SIMEST and Fincantieri have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen the shipbuilding supply chain through investments in innovation, sustainability, and international expansion. This partnership will enhance the global competitiveness of Fincantieri’s suppliers, providing access to financing, certifications, and specialised consultancy. Together, they aim to boost the growth of Italian SMEs, particularly in southern Italy, and foster sustainable development through initiatives like the "Africa Measure".

SIMEST, CDP Group’s company for the internationalisation of companies, and Fincantieri, a world leader in high complexity shipbuilding, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at promoting new investments, greater competitiveness,

29/11/2024

The Qatar Armed Forces have proudly joined NATO's Operational Capabilities Concept (OCC) Evaluation and Feedback Programme, showcasing their readiness and excellence.

After an 18-month evaluation, seven elite units, including the Air, Land, and Naval Forces, successfully met the high standards, with the 101 Air Transport Squadron earning the prestigious OCC certificate.

The OCC programme will officially launch in 2026, strengthening Qatar's global defense partnerships.



https://www.defaiya.com/news/Defense%20News/Asia/2024/11/29/qatar-armed-forces-join-occ-evaluation-programme-for-nato-partner-countries

28/11/2024

Ali Ahmed Alnaqbi, Executive Chairman of MEBAA, and Timothy Hawes, Managing Director of Informa Markets, shared exciting updates for the MEBAA Show 2024 during a virtual press conference.

Ali Ahmed Alnaqbi, Founding and Executive Chairman of MEBAA - the Middle East & North Africa Business Aviation Association, and Timothy Hawes, Managing Director of Informa Markets, shared exciting updates on new features and expected attendance

28/11/2024

Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatar's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, chaired the 21st Joint Defence Council session in Doha. Defence ministers from GCC countries, including H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum of the UAE, discussed strategic issues aimed at strengthening military cooperation and regional security.

Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs Sheikh HE Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani chaired the 21st Session of the Joint Defence Council of Ministers of Defence in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in Doha on Tuesday.

28/11/2024

General Said Chanegriha, Chief of Algeria’s National Army Staff, continues his official visit to Kuwait, where he met with Sheikh Fahd Youssef Saoud Al-Sabah, Kuwait's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence. Their discussions focused on enhancing bilateral military cooperation and reinforcing the strong fraternal ties between Algeria and Kuwait. The visit reflects the shared commitment of both nations to further deepen military collaboration and mutual understanding on regional and international issues.

General Said Chanegriha, Delegate Minister to Algerian Minister of National Defence, Chief of People’s National Army Staff, begins an official visit to the State of Kuwait on 24 November 2024.