US 5th Fleet region in focus The US Naval Forces Central Command’s Task Force (TF) 59 inducted a new leader on July 30, 2024, as Captain John Barrientos took over command from Captain Colin Corridan in a formal change of command ceremony in Manama, Bahrain. Captain Barrientos succeeds Captain
Defence & Security
Stay vigilant with MENews247‘s Defence & Security coverage. Delve into the latest in military affairs, defence strategies, and security technologies across the Middle East.
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Involving logistics and programme support The US State Department has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Saudi Arabia involving system logistics, sustainment support, and related elements at an estimated cost of $2.8 billion. This determination, communicated to Congress by the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency, includes comprehensive logistics and
Including warships, fighter aircraft, missile systems The US is taking decisive measures to address potential escalations involving Iran and its affiliates in the volatile Middle East region. In a statement issued on August 2, 2024, US Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh noted that in response to the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, […]
First time iconic aircraft are in Black Sea region Two US Air Force B-52H Stratofortress bombers have arrived at Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base in Romania. This marks the first time US strategic bomber aircraft have operated out of Romania. The B-52Hs, assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing, departed Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana. While flying […]
Japan offered nuclear deterrents In a landmark decision, the United States will transform US Forces Japan into a Joint Forces Headquarters. This new structure will report directly to the commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, as disclosed by US Secretary of Defence Lloyd J. Austin III following a high-profile two-plus-two ministerial meeting in Tokyo on […]
Meeting held at the Pentagon US and Iraqi officials have met at the Pentagon to discuss when and how the mission of the global coalition against the Islamic State in Iraq would end and transition in an orderly manner to an enduring bilateral security partnership, Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder stated […]
Seen pivotal in deterring potential conflicts In a virtual discussion hosted by the Centre for a New American Security, US Acting Assistant Secretary of Defence for Space Policy Vipin Narang affirmed NATO’s robust commitment to nuclear deterrence, citing significant strides in enhancing capabilities to meet evolving threats. Narang lauded NATO’s nuclear
‘Aegis Ashore’ reinforces transatlantic security A pivotal milestone in NATO’s defensive capabilities has been achieved as the new US ballistic missile defence site in Redzikowo, Poland, known as ‘Aegis Ashore,’ is now operational. This development significantly enhances NATO’s ability to safeguard its member nations against ballistic missile threats, crucially
Delivery is set for 2027 Saudi Arabia has signed an order with Airbus Defence and Space for four additional Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft, adding to the six it already deploys and marking a significant advancement in its aerial refuelling and transport capabilities. The four aircraft, scheduled to commence conversion at the […]
KC-130J Refuels Most Rotary-Wing Aircraft Lockheed Martin has delivered the 2,700th C-130 Super Hercules tactical airlifter, a KC-130J tanker, to the US Marine Corps Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in North Carolina. The C-130 Hercules series has earned acclaim for its robust performance and unique versatility. It
81 NH90 TTH Helicopters On Order Airbus Helicopters has initiated the flight testing phase for the NH90 Standard 2 prototype, a unique configuration tailored to the French Army Aviation’s special forces operations. The NH90 Standard 2 configuration, which incorporates advanced features such as the Safran Euroflir 410 electro-optical system, a new digital map
Asia’s Premier Defence Summit President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. of the Philippines delivered the keynote address at the 21st edition of the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue, which commenced in Singapore on May 31, 2024. Recognised as Asia’s premier defence summit, this year’s event (May 31-June 2, 2024) is an insightful platform for strategic discourse. US
As Part Of Exercise Swift Response 2024 In a display of multinational cooperation and military prowess, NATO paratroopers have descended over Romania as part of Exercise Swift Response 2024, marking the largest Allied airborne operation since World War II. At an airbase near Câmpia Turzii, Romania, troops from Germany, France, Romania, Spain, and the United […]
To Support French Ministry’s Helicopter Fleet In a move to bolster the operational capabilities of the Sécurité Civile and Gendarmerie Nationale, Airbus Helicopters and Babcock have clinched a pivotal contract to provide comprehensive support for the French Ministry of Interior’s fleet of 48 EC145 helicopters. The 12-year agreement, set to commence this year,
Vow To Protect Pope Francis With Their Life Thirty-four new Pontifical Swiss Guard recruits swore allegiance to Pope Francis and his legitimate successors during an elaborate swearing-in ceremony held at the Vatican in Rome on May 6, 2024. In their distinctive way, the 34 Swiss Guard members raised three fingers to evoke the Holy Trinity […]
NATO Allies Donate Their Fighter Jets To Kyiv The Danish Air Force is training ace Ukrainian fighter pilots at an airbase in Denmark to fly the US-made F-16 Fighting Falcon. A coalition of NATO allies, including Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway, has made a significant commitment to Ukraine’s defence against Russia’s unprovoked war of […]
Razor P100, On Display At SOF Week 2024 The anticipation surrounding the future of aerial warfare has peaked as Mayman Aerospace has announced the unveiling of the Razor P100, the inaugural full-scale model of its cutting-edge military Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) aircraft. This unveiling marks a significant milestone in aviation history. It is scheduled […]
Featuring Enhanced Security Screening Smiths Detection, a globally renowned leader in threat detection and security screening technologies, has launched the SDX 10060 XDi, a revolutionary X-ray scanner. This scanner is not just another addition to the company’s product line but a game-changer in the industry, empowered by cutting-edge diffraction technology. X-ray
Following Escalating Cyber Threats The Pentagon has unveiled its inaugural strategy to fortify cybersecurity among American defence industry stakeholders, a crucial step in the face of escalating cyber threats that underscores the immediate need for collaboration. The Defense Industrial Base Cybersecurity Strategy charts a course for intensified cooperation between the US
Military Buying Up In Most Regions Global military spending surged in 2023 amid rising tensions and insecurity, reaching $2443 billion, according to new data published by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). This marked a 6.8% increase in real terms from 2022 and the steepest year-on-year increase since 2009. The 10 largest spenders in […]