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Iranian forces have unveiled a new launch system for the Shahed-136 drone’s latest variant, giving clear indications of how the Islamic Republic of Iran Army Ground Forces (Nezaja) intends to deploy the ‘suicide’ drones – which appears to have become the attack weapon of choice.

Some SR29.7bn ($7.9bn)-worth of contracts and 22 localisation agreements were signed at the first World Defence Show (WDS), held on the outskirts of Riyadh on 6-9 March. GSN takes a closer look at the contracts awarded  and provides brief profiles of leading Saudi defence companies.

The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF)’s National Security Services Company (Safe) has signed a ‘global strategic partnership’ agreement with Azur Drones, making Safe the French company’s exclusive partner in the kingdom and in the wider Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region. Drone deals are in fashion. Saudi-owned Advanced Communications and Electronics Systems Company (Aces) is creating a joint venture to design and build military drones with China Electronics Technology Group (CETG).

Reports persist of arms shipments into the Ethiopian conflict zone, including drones from Iran and the UAE, which have been flown in to support Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s army against the rebel Tigray Defence Forces.

The UAE Ministry of Defence announced on 23 February that it intended to buy 12 advanced jet trainer aircraft from China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (Catic), with an option on an additional 36 of the L15 model.

The UAE Ministry of Defence signed more than AED2bn ($545m)-worth of deals over the three days of the Unmanned System Exhibition (Umex) in Abu Dhabi. Umex, which opened on 21 February, focused on drones, robotics and other unmanned systems at an event whose big winners were two local companies, International Golden Group (IGG) and its close associate Global Aerospace Logistics (GAL).

From its creation – another product of the 1980s War of the Cities between Iran and Iraq – the Royal Saudi Strategic Rocket Force (RSSRF) has been close to China: its first missiles were DF-3 Dongfengs. However, it is widely now believed to be in the market for a third system, making soundings of several potential suppliers, including Pakistan and Ukraine.

Since the Iran-Iraq War, Tehran has been the regional leader in terms of its missile arsenal, with increasingly sophisticated, locally-produced systems under Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC – Sepah-e Pasdaran-e Enghelab-e Eslami) control.

A multi-billion dollar US scheme which has provided training to the Saudi Arabian National Guard (Sang) since the 1970s is being scaled back. The reasons for the change are unclear.

Islamic Republic of Iran Navy (Nejada) commander Rear Admiral Shahram Irani told a press conference on 27 November it will soon start construction of the new Besat-class heavy submarine. A GSN analyst said that, based on precedent, this is likely to be done with assistance from North Korea.

The UAE announced a deal to acquire 80 Rafale F4 fighter bombers from Dassault Aviation on 3 December, during a visit by France’s President Emmanuel Macron. The €16.6bn ($18.7bn) package also includes 12 Airbus H225M long-range transport helicopters, as well as MICA NG medium-range air-to-air missiles and improved versions of the Black Shaheen 550km range cruise missile. Rafale deliveries will start in 2027.

Media reports in the UK suggest that troops from 12 Air Defence Regiment Royal Artillery, based in southern England, are to deploy to Saudi Arabia with a new lightweight multi-role missile system well-suited to anti-drone operations.

The UAE Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed deals worth Dh22.5bn ($6.1bn) in the first four days of the Dubai Airshow, which began on 14 November. At least Dh15.6bn of the total was directed to local suppliers, with state-owned Edge Group subsidiary Global Aerospace Logistics the biggest winner, with contracts totalling Dh14.7bn.

 Work on an alleged Chinese military facility inside a container terminal building at Khalifa Port, Abu Dhabi has been stopped, after United States intelligence agencies raised concerns with the UAE earlier this year, according to a Wall Street Journal report on 19 November. The UAE authorities claim to be unaware that the building – which is operated by Chinese shipping corporation Cosco – might be used for military purposes.

Saudi Arabia’s request for a resupply of AIM-120C advanced medium range air-to-air missiles from the United States has been approved by the State Department. Some 280 missiles and 596 missile rail launchers will be provided under the contract, along with spares, maintenance and in-country contractor support.