Explore the rise of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) in the Middle East. GCC states are purchasing and developing unmanned solutions to expand maritime security capabilities in the vast waters around the Arabian peninsula. 

USVs - UUVs

Unmanned systems have revolutionized modern warfare, offering unparalleled advantages in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), and combat operations. GCC countries recognize this significance and have shown a keen interest in acquiring these systems. With evolving regional security challenges unmanned systems provide GCC countries with a force multiplier, enhancing their situational awareness and response capabilities. By investing in these technologies, GCC countries aim to maintain strategic deterrence, and safeguard their sovereignty in an ever-changing geopolitical landscape.

Unmanned Systems: A strategic imperative for GCC security and sovereignty

The demand for military-grade space technology is skyrocketing in the GCC. Regional states are keen to enhance their intelligence collection, satellite communication, and early warning capabilities. Explore our coverage of GCC satellite tenders and procurement programs. 

Space Defense

The Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), fully owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), is Saudi Arabia’s leading defense company. Established in 2017, SAMI plays a pivotal role in advancing Saudi Vision 2030 by focusing on localizing the Kingdom’s military industries and developing homegrown defense systems. As part of this vision, SAMI has established key partnerships with international defense companies through joint ventures (JVs), memoranda of understanding (MoUs), and other strategic agreements.

Saudi SAMI: Ambitions, challenges, and leadership reshuffle

The transition of power in Saudi Arabia from King Salman to his son, Crown Prince Mohammad, signifies a pivotal moment in the kingdom’s leadership. King Salman, who took the throne in 2015, has guided Saudi Arabia through a period of significant reform and modernization. Crown Prince Mohammad, the architect of Vision 2030, aims to diversify the economy and enhance Saudi Arabia's global influence. As the Crown Prince's influence continues to grow, speculation arises about his successor. 

Saudi Arabia under transition of power

The relationship between Saudi Arabia and the U.S. is defined by strategic collaboration, particularly in defense and economic spheres. Over time, this partnership has been strengthened by mutual concerns regarding regional security and energy stability. Within this framework, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman is considering a defense pact with the U.S. decoupled from normalizing ties with Israel. This potential pact would enhance the defense ties between the two countries even further.

Saudi Arabia and U.S. Defense Pact

This section covers Qatari endeavors and contacts with regional and international players to end the Gaza War. Furthermore, it outlines Doha's initiatives to mitigate potential repercussions arising from the war.

Qatar Mediation amid Gaza War

Follow the rise of the Middle East's defense industries. This section details the military systems under development at SAMI, GAMI, EDGE, Barzan, and from other emerging regional companies or joint ventures. Beyond output, this section also covers the cooperation agreements and relationships with foreign defense companies for the transfer of technology and production (TOT/P).

MENA homegrown technologies

Explore the latest insights and analysis on the normalization of relations between KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) and Israel in Tactical Report.

KSA-Israel Normalization

Iran’s military retaliation against Israel overnight on 13-14/4/2024 marked a significant shift in the region. The Iranian attack prompted GCC countries to double on diplomatic approaches to address sensitive issues in the region. Similarly, the attack pushed those countries to expedite fulfilling defense requirements.

Iran-Israel military confrontations

The GCC has historically held a complex and varied position on Hamas, influenced by geopolitical considerations and internal dynamics. After the assassination of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh and the subsequent appointment of Yahya Sinwar as overall leader, the GCC's stance reflected a blend of caution and concern. While some member states have maintained a supportive stance towards Hamas, others have taken a more critical approach.

GCC views on Hamas under Sinwar’s leadership

The GCC countries are closely monitoring the U.S. presidential elections due to their strategic partnerships and economic ties with the U.S. These countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar often seek continuity and predictability in U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding security, trade, investments, and stability in the Middle East. The outcome of U.S. elections influences GCC states' diplomatic strategies and defense collaborations, shaping their approach towards regional challenges. The election results are pivotal in determining the future trajectory of U.S.-GCC relations and regional dynamics.

GCC countries and U.S. presidential elections

GCC countries are increasingly investing in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. Countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar are leading the charge, with significant investments in AI research and development, as well as the implementation of AI-driven solutions in government services, defense systems, and the private sector. These efforts aim to position the GCC as a hub for innovation, reduce dependency on other countries and enhance national security.

GCC countries and AI technologies

Europe has set its sights on the East-Med as a mid-term oil, gas and energy hub. The region's increased efforts in exploration and development of oil and gas fields, and their focus on blue and green hydrogen projects has attracted multiple European and US Investors. This section will shed light on the developments of the oil, gas and energy potential in the region.

East Med Developments

Explore the Saudi assessment of the Beijing Agreement on its first anniversary, along with its expectations for the Agreement's future. The in-depth report culminates a year-long collection of notes and reports that track the progress of the Beijing Agreement

Beijing Agreement

Tactical Reports unveils the latest insights on the Gaza War. Dive into strategic analyzes and timely reports for an understanding of the ongoing conflict.

GCC and the Gaza War

Explore the regional dynamics surrounding the unfolding situation in the Red Sea in light of the Gaza War repercussions and the clashes between the U.S.-British naval alliance and Yemen's Houthis.

Red Sea Security

Learn about the defense budgets of MENA countries in 2024. These include defense spending, procurement plans, investments, partnerships and priorities.

2024 Defense Budgets

Saudi-Chinese relations have been witnessing significant enhancement since Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz was appointed in this position in 2017. As the relationship between longtime allies Saudi Arabia and the USA becomes increasingly strained, China could cultivate a stronger bond with the Kingdom. In March 2022, Crown Prince Mohammad invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit Saudi Arabia with the aim of deepening the already close bilateral ties. This section presents a detailed insight into the two countries bilateral ties in a variety of fields.

KSA-China Relations

This section presents a detailed insight into the Saudi-US ties in the wake of the Beijing agreement and amid the cold relationship between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman and US President Joe Biden, highlighting the efforts to restore warmth to the two countries' relations.

KSA-USA Relations

This section will mainly highlight updates on OPEC+ policies and decisions in terms of oil output and updates on Ministerial OPEC+ meetings. It will cover the strained U.S. relations with Saudi Arabia regarding OPEC+ production cuts. It will also underline Saudi Arabia's views on future oil demand as well as the main cooperation between the Kingdom and Russia in terms of oil market stability

OPEC +

UAE President Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan issued an Emiri decree on 29/3/2023 appointing his oldest son Sheikh Khaled as the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. Also, President Sheikh Mohammad issued another Emiri decree restructuring the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi under the chairmanship of Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled. This section follows the path of the UAE succession since Sheikh Mohammad Ben Zayed, the former Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, became president and the question of the succession came to light.

UAE ruling affairs

Learn about the Middle East’s growing interest in hypersonic cruise missiles, glide vehicles, and other weapon classes that are capable of speeds in excess of Mach 5 coupled with maneuverability. Hypersonic air defenses are also increasingly important to counterbalance emerging threats. KSA, UAE, Qatar, and other regional states are closely monitoring international hypersonic programs with the hope that one day they could also operate these novel strike systems.

Hypersonic Systems

Europe is making efforts to wean itself off of Russian gas as increasing sanctions looms in the horizon. Learn more about their plans for supply diversification, short and long term solutions to the gas crisis, including alternative shipping routes including LNG supply from different key players in the market (Qatar, US, Australia), as well as continuous attempts to accelerate their energy transitions. 

Gas supply to Europe

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz has been introducing significant changes to Saudi Arabia's internal structure and foreign policy ever since he was named Crown Prince in 2017. This section provides a detailed insight into Saudi Arabia's most recent internal affairs updates such as the Royal Court's restructuring, the role of skilled youth cadres in governmental institutions, the Kingdom's international relations, and more.

Domestic Affairs in KSA

MENA is a hot market for C-UAS systems, given the region's recent history of low-observable threats. Regional countries are scrambling to plug their security gaps by introducing air defense systems dedicated to countering drones of various classes or groups. This not only allows them to further multi-layer their integrated air and missile defenses but also provides opportunities for the transfer of technology. Our reports document how GCC states are looking West, East, and regional, for C-UAS solutions.  

Saudi SAMI: Ambitions, challenges, and leadership reshuffle

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