Saudi Defense Sector Makes Strides in Air Power
Aerial threats and economic diversification plans have compelled Riyadh to expand domestic defense production and diversify its procurement sources.
Aerial threats and economic diversification plans have compelled Riyadh to expand domestic defense production and diversify its procurement sources.
A recently signed security- and economy-focused pact marks the latest development in the United States’ close, long-standing partnership with Bahrain.
Qatar’s naval expansion will give it new amphibious, air defense, and anti-ship capabilities, but the country will face challenges to fully man its naval platforms exclusively with Qataris, given the country’s small population.
The UAE has sought to enhance its naval might and secure its fast-expanding networks of ports and logistics infrastructure to match its evolving strategic and commercial ambitions, in the Middle East and beyond.
Drone exports and cooperation with Russia are part of a quid pro quo strategy that could provide a much-coveted boost to Iranian air defense and military hardware.
Strategic autonomy and technology transfers take center stage in a shifting UAE procurement policy.
Unmanned systems and artificial intelligence could help bridge the manpower gap in Gulf navies and provide new opportunities for the United States and its partners to maintain maritime security.
Azerbaijan’s biggest trade partners in the region, the UAE and Saudi Arabia, have shared economic interests in establishing new trade links, but they also share common threat perceptions regarding Iran and radicalism.
Germany is upgrading its military, moving into a more assertive and central role in European and NATO defense. This, coupled with changes to its energy policy, could facilitate closer cooperation with select Gulf allies.
Gulf states met the Syrian regime’s fall with unity and pragmatism. But already differences are emerging in response to the political transition and the possibility of chaos, extremism, and a feeble state unable to preserve its territorial integrity.
Learn MoreThrough its careful examination of the forces shaping the evolution of Gulf societies and the new generation of emerging leaders, AGSIW facilitates a richer understanding of the role the countries in this key geostrategic region can be expected to play in the 21st century.
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