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News, deep dives, and analysis — every Middle East story, newest first.

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China Drone Expo Shines Spotlight on the ‘Low-Altitude Economy’
China

China Drone Expo Shines Spotlight on the ‘Low-Altitude Economy’

Shenzhen Hosts Record-Breaking Drone World Congress The annual Drone World Congress kicked off in Shenzhen with a record 500 companies exhibiting their latest drone technologies. This eighth iteration of the event reflects Beijing’s push to develop its “low-altitude economy.” Expanding Industry Participation This year’s expo reportedly saw a 25% increase in exhibitors, drawing participants from…

10th Mountain Division Soldiers Shoot Down 28 Enemy Drones in Middle East Deployment
Israel

10th Mountain Division Soldiers Shoot Down 28 Enemy Drones in Middle East Deployment

Artillery Soldiers Earn “Ace” Status in Anti-Drone Operations During a nine-month deployment in the Middle East, three artillery soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division’s 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, earned the “ace” designation by shooting down more than 28 enemy drones. Staff Sgt. Daniel Smith, Sgt. William Taroc, and Staff Sgt. Henry Davis each…

Lawmakers Push DOD to Fast-Track AI Counter-Drone Tech
Counter-Drone

Lawmakers Push DOD to Fast-Track AI Counter-Drone Tech

Lawmakers are urging the Department of Defense (DOD) to speed up the deployment of AI-driven counter-drone technologies. A new provision in the fiscal 2025 defense policy bill requires department leaders to outline their plans for advancing these capabilities, reports Defense Scoop. The move comes as drone attacks become increasingly prevalent in global conflicts, from the…

Inside America’s Simulated War Zone: Training for Modern Combat
Ukraine

Inside America’s Simulated War Zone: Training for Modern Combat

In the Mojave Desert, the U.S. Army has created an extensive training ground designed to prepare soldiers for the complexities of modern warfare. This vast facility features artificial towns, complete with actors, tanks, and realistic battle simulations, where troops practice their skills amidst explosions and tactical exercises, reports The Guardian. Exploring the intricacies of this…

The latest version of the Epirus Leonidas was introduced in April, according to Epirus, a company specializing in directed energy and counter-electronics, among other sectors. Photo courtesy of Epirus
Counter-Drone

U.S. Army Receives Drone-Frying Weapons in $66M Deal

New Weapons to Combat Drone Threats The U.S. Army has acquired four cutting-edge drone-frying prototype weapons from defense contractor Epirus, part of a $66 million rapid acquisition effort, reports Axios. These high-tech systems, known as Leonidas, are designed to protect against the growing threat of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), a concern heightened by their use…

A Closer Look at the Air Force’s New Drone: ULTRA in the Middle East
US Air Force

A Closer Look at the Air Force’s New Drone: ULTRA in the Middle East

The U.S. Air Force’s latest drone technology, the Unmanned Long-endurance Tactical Reconnaissance Aircraft (ULTRA), is now operational from Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates, reports The Warzone. This new drone emerges as a cost-effective solution designed to significantly enhance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities in critical regions. Drone’s Key Featur

An Iranian drone takes flight from a classified location, as captured by Tasnim News Agency and obtained through Zuma Press/Eyevine.
Bell

Iran’s Secret Drone Factory Trains Hezbollah Fighters

Iran is secretly training Hezbollah fighters to carry out drone attacks on northern Israel at a rapidly expanding top-secret base near the holy city of Qom, according to leaked classified documents from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The drone facility has tripled in size since its establishment in 2006, despite US sanctions, reports The…

The New Era of Drone Diplomacy: Iraq Flies High with Chinese Drones
China

The New Era of Drone Diplomacy: Iraq Flies High with Chinese Drones

Iraq’s Drone Purchase Signals a Shifting Alliance The Iraqi military’s recent acquisition of the CH-5 or Caihong-5 drone from China marks a significant development in international military relations and the growing influence of Chinese technology in the Middle East. This move is indicative of the broader trend where Middle Eastern countries, traditionally aligned with the…

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