US President Donald Trump is expected to approve a deal allowing Saudi Arabia to acquire dozens of F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jets despite Pentagon concerns. The proposal faces resistance inside the US government due to links with China and Israel's 'qualitative military edge'.
The Middle East's defense industrial base continues expanding, with nine regional firms now ranking among SIPRI's Top 100 global arms producers—a historic high. Led by Israel's Elbit Systems at $6.
Israel entered 2025 looking to a new US administration to be a gamechanger for Jerusalem's multi-front war. The country pushed forward with new technologies, including laser air defenses and unmanned systems, amid international criticism of its tactics in Gaza.
Germany has approved an expansion of the Arrow 3 defense system contract with Israel, valued at approximately $3.1 billion, to complement the initial purchase agreement signed two years ago. The combined value is now $6.