Shifting Saudi ties: what role could China take after Iran war is over?

The Iran conflict is pushing Saudi Arabia to reconsider its US-led security strategy, with China emerging to play a limited, but functional role, analysts say. However, deep US ties in defence would restrict Saudi Arabia’s broader cooperation with China, they added, as one expert predicted Riyadh was likely to deepen ties with regional powers such as Pakistan and Turkey. In a rare alignment, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, a key US ally in the Middle East, initiated a phone...

By Alyssa Chen,Fan Chen

More battle-tested American-made interceptor drones will be heading to NATO's eastern edge

Lithuania said it will purchase the American-made Merops system and interceptor drones. Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images Lithuania said Wednesday that it is buying the American-made Merops counter-drone system. Merops has been battle-tested in Ukraine and was also recently deployed to the Middle East. Lithuania is the latest NATO country to acquire the low-cost system. Another NATO ally is acquiring an American-made interceptor drone that has been battle-tested in Ukraine. The move wil...

Why the WTA Finals might leave Saudi Arabia before their contract ends

The WTA Finals will wrap up its time in Saudi Arabia after the 2026 tournament, ending the event’s three-year run in the region. Now, there are signs that this year’s event may not return to the Middle East as expected.

Trump turned down offer, but US defence in Saudi Arabia has a Ukrainian surprise for incoming drones

US turning to Ukrainian counter-drone tech after Iran attacks, sources say - The Straits Times

US turning to Ukrainian counter-drone tech after Iran attacks, sources say  The Straits Times

US military adopts Ukrainian counter-drone tech at Saudi base amid drone threats

The US military has deployed Ukrainian counter-drone technology at a key air base in Saudi Arabia to combat attacks and protect aircraft and facilities from increasing drone threats.

US Turns To Ukrainian Counter Drone Tech After Iran Attacks: Report

The development comes a month after Donald Trump rejected an offer from Volodymyr Zelenskiy to provide help in combating Iranian drone strikes.

Japan-Ukraine drone tie-up sends first weapon onto battlefield

Japanese drone company Terra Drone said its Terra A1 interceptor, developed with a Ukrainian partner, has entered active combat use.

Lockheed Martin Invests $25M in Fortem Technologies to expand counter-drone tech

Saudi Arabia has strong financial buffers to confront Iran war impact: IMF Middle East director - Arab News

Saudi Arabia has strong financial buffers to confront Iran war impact: IMF Middle East director  Arab News

US turns to Ukrainian counter-drone tech after Iran attacks, sources say

Washington-based think tank senior fellow says there are 'longstanding gaps in US air missile defence'

By Reuters

Digital officers already operate in several AFU units — Ministry of Defense

The Armed Forces of Ukraine have already selected and deployed digital officers in a number of key units, where they will be responsible for implementing digital solutions in the military.

US turns to Ukrainian counter-drone tech after Iran attacks - thecitizen.co.tz

US turns to Ukrainian counter-drone tech after Iran attacks  thecitizen.co.tz

Hajj 2026: Saudi partnership strengthens logistics for Cameroon’s pilgrims

© Minat As the Hajj 2026 season approaches its peak preparation phase, the national organizing commission met on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at the Ministry of Territorial Administration in Yaounde to finalize logistical frameworks. This crucial working session brought together government officials and key stakeholders to refine operational details and ensure a seamless experience for all participants. The meeting served as a final coordination point to strengthen the administrative and security...

By Louisa KINYUY