11 Exhibitions, 4 Months, One Global Defence Platform. International Defence Analysis (IDA) is pleased to announce that we are the official media partner for 11 leading defence & aerospace exhibitions taking place across Africa, the Middle East, Asia & Europe over the next four months of 2026. As part of our global media partnerships, IDA will provide extensive print & digital coverage, industry updates, interviews and promotional opportunities throughout these major events. Defence & aerospace companies looking to promote their products, technologies and capabilities to an international audience are invited to contact IDA for tailored media and promotional opportunities. 📩 Contact us ([email protected]) to discuss your upcoming product promotion & exhibition campaign.

Türkiye, Qatar, Pakistan & Indonesia signed the Badr Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 21 October 2026 in Doha, Qatar, establishing a multilateral framework to strengthen defence industry cooperation. Key Details of the Badr Agreement: 📍 Joint Production: Promotes collaborative weapons manufacturing and the establishment of joint production facilities. 📍 Research & Development: Encourages cooperation in defence R&D, technology sharing & technical military training. 📍 National Contributions: Türkiye contributes advanced defence technologies and manufacturing expertise, Qatar provides financial investment, while Pakistan and Indonesia bring industrial capabilities and ambitions for greater domestic production. 📍 Strategic Objectives: Aims to reduce reliance on external defence suppliers, integrate industrial capabilities & develop collaborative defence programmes among the four countries.

Lockheed Martin has announced that its Extended Range Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (ER GMLRS) is moving toward production following two successful tests & Milestone C approval by the U.S. Army. Designed to strike targets at ranges of up to 150 kilometres, ER GMLRS is compatible with existing HIMARS and M270 MLRS launchers, offering enhanced range without requiring new launch platforms.

Türkiye successfully conducted a live-fire test of the SİPER BLOCK I missile, part of the Turkish Air Force’s long-range air defence system, in Sinop. With an engagement range exceeding 100 kilometres, SİPER is a key component of Türkiye’s indigenous air defence capabilities. The test was observed on-site by Chief of the General Staff Gen. Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu, Air Force Commander Gen. Rafet Dalkıran, ASELSAN General Manager Ahmet Akyol & ROKETSAN General Manager Murat İkinci.

Artillery is getting smarter. 🎯 The U.S. Army has tested three 155mm XM1180 prototype munitions featuring seeker technology designed to identify targets & guide projectiles toward them. The next challenge? Testing the technology in GPS-denied environments & exploring its use in the XM1230 Extended Range Artillery Projectile. If successful, this approach could give commanders greater flexibility against moving targets while helping reduce collateral damage. #MilitaryTechnology #Artillery #DefenseNews

🇵🇰🇪🇹 Pakistan–Ethiopia Defence Cooperation Ethiopian Ambassador Dr. Oumer H. Oba visited GIDS headquarters and met CEO Asad Kamal to explore bilateral cooperation. The visit included a facility tour and discussions on potential collaboration, strengthening Pakistan–Ethiopia ties. #Pakistan #Ethiopia #GIDS #DefenceCooperation

Türkiye, Qatar, Pakistan & Indonesia Sign BEDİR Defence Cooperation Agreement in Doha. Türkiye, Qatar, Pakistan & Indonesia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Doha to strengthen multilateral cooperation in the defence industry. Named BEDİR, meaning “full moon” in Arabic, the agreement focuses on joint production, research & development (R&D), and technical military training. The initiative aims to expand existing bilateral defence projects into a multilateral industrial framework, opening new avenues for defence manufacturing, technology development, and the establishment of joint production lines serving the partner countries.

Türkiye continues to advance its indigenous defence technologies, showcasing national capabilities in support of its armed forces during BIMDTC 2026, the 1st International Best Military UAV Team Competition, in Ankara.

At #Milipol2026 in Qatar, DSS Aerospace showcased its GHAZI EN50 & SALAAR EV30 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) solutions, highlighting its innovative capabilities in the unmanned systems sector. The exhibition provided DSS Aerospace with a valuable opportunity to present its #UAV technologies to official international delegations from multiple regions, fostering meaningful discussions and exchanging insights on the sector’s evolving challenges and opportunities.

STM Lays Keel for Second Portuguese Navy AOR+ Logistics Support Ship, N.R.P. FERNANDO PESSOA. Turkish defence company STM has held the keel-laying ceremony for N.R.P. FERNANDO PESSOA (A5212), the second Auxiliary Oiler Replenisher & Logistics Ship (AOR+) being built for the Portuguese Navy. The ceremony took place on 20 October 2026 at ADA Shipyard in Istanbul, Türkiye. The project involves the construction of two multi-purpose naval support vessels under STM’s main contractorship, marking Türkiye’s first military ship export to a European Union & NATO member state. The first vessel, N.R.P. LUÍS DE CAMÕES, had its keel laid in January 2026, with both ships now under construction simultaneously. Each 137-metre-long vessel will have a displacement of approximately 11,000 tonnes, a maximum speed exceeding 18 knots & an endurance of up to 90 days. Designed to enhance Portugal’s naval operational capabilities, the ships will provide at-sea replenishment, transport fuel, fresh water, ammunition & other supplies, while supporting amphibious operations, medical assistance, humanitarian relief & the deployment of up to 20 light tactical armoured vehicles. Both vessels are expected to be launched in 2027, with deliveries scheduled for 2028.

Türkiye, Qatar, Pakistan & Indonesia are set to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Doha to strengthen defence industry cooperation, according to Türkiye’s Defence Industry Agency (SSB). The agreement will build on existing defence partnerships, including Bayraktar TB2 UAVs & armoured vehicles supplied to Qatar, corvettes constructed for the Pakistan Navy in Istanbul & Karachi, and the jointly developed Kaplan MT medium tank with Indonesia. According to the SSB, Türkiye’s defence & aerospace exports surpassed $10 billion in 2025, registering a 48% increase compared to the previous year. Exports have also exceeded $11 billion over the past 12 months. Türkiye now ranks as the world’s 11th-largest arms supplier, with its defence exports increasing by 122% over the past five years.

🇹🇷 ROKETSAN's ALKA brings two layers of protection against drone threats. The Turkish Directed Energy Weapon System combines electromagnetic jamming to disrupt hostile drones with laser technology to physically neutralize threats. #ROKETSAN #ALKA #Türkiye

The U.S. Navy has awarded HII a $99.1 million contract modification for sea trials of the future USS Lyndon B. Johnson (DDG 1002). The Zumwalt-class stealth destroyer is being upgraded to carry Conventional Prompt Strike hypersonic missiles. #USNavy #Hypersonic

🇯🇴 SOFEX 2026 returns to Aqaba on 27–29 October! The 15th edition expects 400+ exhibitors from 37 countries and over 25,000 specialised visitors. For the first time, the exhibition will welcome the public, with new cybersecurity-focused displays. #SOFEX2026 #Jordan @sofexjo

ARES Shipyard invites visitors to explore its naval platforms & maritime solutions at MILIPOL Qatar 2026. 📍 Qatar 🏢 Booth D41 📅 20–22 October, 2026

KONGSBERG has secured a contract to supply additional Naval Strike Missiles (NSM) to Denmark, enhancing the Scandinavian nation's coastal defence capabilities.

On the 45th anniversary of the Aviation Department Directorate, Turkish Police Chief General Director Ali Fidan underscored the importance of advancing Türkiye’s national technology initiative. The Turkish National Police continues to strengthen its aerial operational capabilities through the expansion of Aksungur UAV capacity and the procurement of T625 GÖKBEY helicopters, reinforcing its focus on indigenous aviation technologies.

The US government approved a potential $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35A Lightning II fighter jets to Saudi Arabia on 17 September 2026. The 30-day congressional review period expired on 17 October without a vote to block the proposed sale. However, a resolution seeking to disapprove the deal remains pending in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. With the review period concluded, the process can move towards the issuance of the Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) to Saudi Arabia. Following its acceptance and signing, the programme is expected to proceed towards a contract with Lockheed Martin, the aircraft’s principal contractor.

Rheinmetall and MSC Acquire Romanian Shipyard for €138 Million 🇩🇪 German defence giant Rheinmetall and Swiss-based shipping company MSC have jointly acquired Romania's Mangalia shipyard on the Black Sea. The facility will support civilian and military shipbuilding, including four naval vessels commissioned by Romania. Rheinmetall plans to establish Mangalia as a major military shipbuilding hub in southeastern Europe. @RheinmetallAG #Romania #Shipbuilding