Defense News

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

Can the Makkah Pact Survive the Houthi Challenge?

Houthi ballistic missiles and drones have struck Riyadh and other strategic sites, while Saudi Arabia has reportedly sought extra interceptor stocks to sustain its air defences.

Uroosa KhanSeptember 21, 2026

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

Malaysia Rises as a Regional Defence Power

Global Firepower ranks Malaysia 42nd, with a naval force of about 100 assets including 2 submarines, and a defence budget of $5.1 billion.

Alvara MerrickSeptember 8, 2026

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

How Russia Is Turning Cheap, Chinese-Linked Technology Into a Battlefield Advantage

Russia's Geran-5 drone and Banderol cruise missile rely on Chinese-made jet engines, navigation computers and communications electronics, and each could cost around $100,000 — a fraction of the $2 million-plus price tag on comparable Western missiles.

Shohjahon MajidovSeptember 16, 2026

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

India Builds an AI-Powered Military

The new Centre of Excellence at BEL will focus on integrating AI into real-time decision-making, autonomous systems, and cyber defence, according to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Alvara MerrickSeptember 5, 2026

Defense · Defense Diplomacy

India–Russia Defence Partnership in 2026

Despite Russia's share of Indian arms imports dropping to 40%, a new ₹445 crore Tunguska deal and joint projects like BrahMos keep ties strong.

Alvara MerrickSeptember 5, 2026

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

The SCO Summit and European Security

The Bishkek Declaration addressed security, trade, and technology, but notably omitted any mention of the conflict in Ukraine, highlighting the bloc's careful balancing act.

Alvara MerrickSeptember 2, 2026

Defense · Defense Diplomacy

Malaysia's Four-Way Balancing Act

Defence spending will rise to 1.5% of GDP by 2030, but the minister insists the build-up is not aimed at any specific country.

Alvara MerrickSeptember 1, 2026

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

SCO in Bishkek: Security and the European Stakes

The summit's 25th-anniversary session comes as Russia's war in Ukraine and Iran-US tensions dominate the agenda, with leaders expected to discuss the Strait of Hormuz.

Alvara MerrickAugust 31, 2026

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

Uzbekistan at 35: A Defense Industry on the Rise

Uzbekistan is emerging as a regional drone hub, and its partnership with Türkiye is deepening as it seeks to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and build a self-sufficient defense ecosystem.

Alvara MerrickAugust 29, 2026

Defense · Conflict War Studies

Europe Prepares for the Worst

The SAFE programme provides up to €150 billion in loans for joint defence purchases, with over €90 billion already secured.

Ahmet BalakanAugust 28, 2026

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

The Hidden Risk in America’s AI Strategy

The new strategy may deepen reliance on large AI models and computing infrastructure, conflicting with diverse defense ecosystem goals.

İsmail PolatAugust 19, 2026

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

Türkiye Emerges as Europe’s Key Black Sea Partner

Turkey's role is concretized through the MCM Black Sea task group, which has conducted 10 activations, and its mandate is being extended to cover energy assets like the Sakarya Gas Field.

İsmail PolatAugust 16, 2026

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

Why EU–Pakistan Defence Cooperation Matters Now

The EU's 2019 Strategic Engagement Plan provides the framework for security cooperation, but Pakistan's strategic culture, shaped by the military since 1947, poses both opportunities and limits for partnership.

Alvara MerrickAugust 15, 2026

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

Is the Post-American Middle East Beginning to Take Shape?

Unlike NATO, the Mecca Pact lacks an integrated command structure and joint military planning, raising doubts about its effectiveness as a deterrent.

Uroosa KhanAugust 10, 2026

Defense · Defense Diplomacy

The Makkah Pact Is Bridging the Gulf and South Asia

The pact, signed August 7, adds a new layer to Saudi-Pakistani defense ties, with Turkey bringing NATO experience and defense industry heft.

Saima AfzalAugust 10, 2026

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

Makkah Defence Agreement Boosts Pakistan’s Strategic Role

The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye could strengthen Pakistan’s strategic and diplomatic role, deepen trilateral defence cooperation and advance collective security amid evolving challenges across the Middle East and South Asia.

Fatima Tuz ZehraAugust 9, 2026

Defense · Defense Diplomacy

Historic Makkah Defence Agreement Unites Pakistan, Türkiye & Saudi Arabia

Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia strengthened their strategic partnership through the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, establishing a collective defence framework. Islamabad marked the historic accord by displaying the three nations’ flags, highlighting solidarity, security and regional stability.

Embassy of Pakistan BrusselsAugust 9, 2026

Defense · Defense Diplomacy

The Mecca Defence Agreement: Defence Diplomacy and Deterrence

The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement strengthens defence diplomacy and collective deterrence among Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan by combining their military, industrial, economic, and strategic capabilities. Its effectiveness depends on credible commitments and institutional cooperation.

İsmail PolatAugust 7, 2026

Defense · Conflict War Studies

Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces of Ukraine warns that turning point in the war is still far

Ukrainian C-in-C stated that it is too early to say that the tide has turned in Russian invasion of Ukraine.

EUReflect NewsJuly 10, 2026

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

NATO 3.0, Türkiye's Strategic Role, and the Importance of Defense Expenditures

NATO 3.0 represents a multidimensional security framework designed to address emerging global threats. Increasing Türkiye's defense expenditures would strengthen NATO's presence in the Black Sea and the Middle East while enhancing deterrence, burden-sharing, and strategic resilience, benefiting both Europe and the United States.

İsmail PolatJuly 5, 2026

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

Europe Steps Up as NATO Adapts to a New Defense Balance

European NATO members have rapidly replaced most military capabilities reduced by the United States, strengthening the alliance’s defense posture. While a few strategic gaps remain, NATO is developing alternatives as Europe assumes greater responsibility for collective security.

İsmail PolatJuly 5, 2026

Defense · Conflict War Studies

Front lines in Ukraine with almost no changes in June, per data

Data from Institute for the Study of War shows that Russian advance in Ukraine is slowing.

EUReflect NewsJuly 3, 2026

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

Erdoğan Calls for Balanced Burden-Sharing Ahead of Ankara NATO Summit

As Türkiye prepares to host the 36th NATO Summit in Ankara on 7-8 July, President Erdoğan has pressed for a more balanced distribution of responsibility among allies, arguing Türkiye's defence contributions should not be sidelined by narrow political interests within the alliance.

Alvara MerrickJune 30, 2026

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

UK Unveils Long-Awaited Defence Investment Plan

After months of delay, the UK Prime Minister has announced the Defence Investment Plan, redirecting funds toward drone-coordinating naval vessels, amphibious ships and joint European weapons programmes, while pledging £400 million to a new multilateral defence financing mechanism.

İsmail PolatJune 30, 2026

22 of 22