The US has signed a Strategic Defense Agreement with Saudi Arabia, which includes the sale of F-35 fighters and 300 Abrams tanks to the Middle East ally. The deal was announced by President Donald Trump during his meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who pledged to invest $600 billion in various US industries.
The Singapore Airshow is underway at Changi Exhibition Centre, with over 1,000 defense and aviation businesses from around the world participating. Breaking Defense has been providing coverage of the show, including photos and updates on various aircraft displays.
Breaking Defense reports on the most significant news stories from the Middle East in 2025, including Turkey's Steel Dome air defense system, Saudi Arabia's potential deal with General Atomics, Egypt's military drills with China, UAE's satellite launch plans, and the Middle East defense industry's growing presence in SIPRI's Top 100. The region's defense landscape is characterized by increased investment, cooperation, and competition, reflecting the complex web of alliances and rivalries that shape global security.
The LongShot program, led by General Atomics, is aiming for early flight tests with its X-68A aircraft. The program, originally set to begin in December 2023, has pivoted towards a more direct approach focused on F-15 integration.
Germany's fast-track strike drone hunt has slowed as the Luftwaffe shortlist takes shape. The procurement effort has gained an extra review round involving three candidates for further evaluation.
The Dubai Airshow continued into its second day, with attendees seeing aircraft they might not otherwise encounter. Russia showcased its Su-57 stealth fighter and China displayed its CH-9 drone.
The Defense Innovation Unit is seeking firms that can supply drones capable of carrying fighter-sized munitions for maritime strikes. The initiative aims to address the growing threat of anti-ship weapons and constraints on long-range strike capabilities for naval forces.
The U.S. Army is pursuing high-energy laser integration on its next-generation large drone fleet as militaries worldwide seek cost-effective air defense solutions.
The US Army expects to accept an airframe for testing of the first MV-75 tilt-rotor helicopter by late 2026 or early 2027. According to Breaking Defense, Army Chief of Staff Gen.
The US Army has launched a challenge to find a replacement for its Gray Eagle large drone, with industry invited to submit proposals for short/vertical takeoff and landing (S/VTOL) unmanned options. The RFI seeks systems that meet specific weight and performance requirements, as well as advanced sensors and autonomous capabilities.
The US Air Force has selected nine companies for an early stage of its Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, awarding contracts worth an unspecified amount. The successful firms will now compete for a prototyping deal, which could be offered to more than one company.
The US Air Force has begun flight testing with a drone wingman carrying an inert weapon underwing. Anduril's YFQ-44A and General Atomics' YFQ-42A are part of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, which aims to develop drones for future combat.