Spotlight | Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom
London speeds up negotiations with Riyadh on Typhoon order and sixth generation fighter programme membership

Qatar, United Kingdom
British defence aerospace makes Doha inroads

BAE Systems and Aeralis have both won major contracts with Qatar, despite the risk of Doha taking control.

Oman, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom
Might Muscat buy Riyadh's used Typhoons?

As manufacturers jostle to supply fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, Oman is on the lookout for second-hand war planes.

Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom
Typhoons prepare Riyadh landing for World Defense Show

Defence giant BAE Systems is at last preparing to sign its major Typhoon supply contract with Saudi Arabia at the opening of the World Defense Show (WDS) in Riyadh.

The Intelligence Gazette
MbS in London, the UK FARA, Rome between Beijing and Delhi, DGSE ethics

Appointments, reforms and the issues at stake: every Monday, Intelligence Online serves up snippets big and small from the global intelligence community.

Saudi Arabia/UKDate set for MbS London visit

United KingdomBritish FARA not up to scratch

ItalyRome split between ties with China or India

FranceDGSE bolsters ethics

United Kingdom
Former Air Chief Marshal Wigston goes into consulting

For his new company, Hidcote Advisory, ex-Air Chief Marshall Michael Wigston could draw on his experience as the point of contact for foreign firms wanting to work with BAE Systems.

Spotlight | France, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom
Riyadh to ask for Rafale quote as Typhoon order remains in limbo

After hesitating for several months, Riyadh is set to start making its first moves towards a possible purchase of Rafale aircraft. That would bring the French fighter into direct competition with BAE Systems' Typhoon, which was Saudi Arabia's first choice

The Intelligence Gazette
MbS and Sunak, OIS/Russia, Prague's VZ, NCSC audit, Tracfin

Appointments, reforms and the issues at stake: every Monday, Intelligence Online serves up snippets big and small from the global intelligence community. This week, we bring news from Riyadh, London, Washington, Prague and Paris.

Saudi Arabia/United KingdomMbS refuses terms of his London visit

United StatesOffice of Investment Security further increases presence in Russia

Czech RepublicSpymaster focuses its annual report on new hybrid warfare in Ukraine

United StatesNCSC under audit as it faces change of command

FranceTracfin's uncontrollable Startrac to remain in place

France, Middle East
Thales reshuffles senior Gulf execs to strengthen connections with SAMI and Tawazun

With the official creation of its regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia this year, Thales is overhauling management to further consolidate its hand in the region.

Saudi Arabia
Qudra Industrial trains Saudi intelligence in electronic warfare

The discreet Saudi defence contractor teaches the General Intelligence Presidency to use electronic warfare equipment purchased by the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia
GCAP, F-35: France hesitates over Rafale sales pitch as ambitious Riyadh reassesses its fighter options

Will they, won't they? In the eyes of many, Berlin's decision to block the sale of Typhoon fighters to Saudi Arabia has opened up an opportunity for France to pitch Dassault's new generation Rafale. The Saudis are not opposed, but they have several other bids under consideration.

Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom
From Buckingham Palace to Doha, inside the London visit in the works for MbS

Mohammed bin Salman's planned visit to London is the object of lively diplomatic exchanges. Behind the scenes, Buckingham Palace, Doha and even Manama are each looking to ensure their interests are served.

United Kingdom
Britain's GMTL builds networks in areas strategic to the defence industry

The British corporate intelligence firm is making its mark in the defence sector, thanks to its network of top-notch and strategically located advisers.

Spotlight | Saudi Arabia, United States
Khaled Al Biyari, the man taking Mohammed bin Salman's F-35 ambitions to Washington

As well as overseeing the creation of a mission-critical communications network for Saudi Arabia's security services, Khaled Al Biyari was recently tasked by the crown prince with travelling to Washington to discuss the possibility of buying US combat aircraft.

United Kingdom
From GCAP to Saudi Arabia, BAE Systems' intelligence unit is booming

Run by former intelligence officers, the British defence giant's newly revamped intelligence unit is in full swing.

Spotlight | France, Germany, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom
Rafale's Dassault window of opportunity in Saudi Arabia reduced by defence contracts probe

Berlin's decision to ban sales of Eurofighter's new Typhoon combat aircraft has opened a window of opportunity for France's Rafale fighters in Riyadh. French hopes could be compromised, however, by the interest being taken by the Saudi authorities in French-Saudi defence business networks.

France, Saudi Arabia
French and Saudi space goals could align neatly

In its search for an optical satellite constellation, Saudi Arabia has made changes to its space strategy that could see it form a cooperation programme with French actors in the field.

Saudi Arabia
Zamil clan increasingly a Saudi defence ally, from telecoms to high-tech munitions

The prominent Saudi family, long popular as a key partner for foreign businesses in Saudi Arabia, is expanding its presence in the defence industry. One of the clan's companies, Wahaj, has been forming new partnerships both in and outside the country.

France, Japan
Dassault mired in Japanese surveillance plane conflict

Japan is preparing its rearmament and starting to prospect for materiel to defend itself from China but Dassault's chances of landing new contracts are not looking good.

France, Saudi Arabia, Spain
Naval Group's fight for Saudi Arabian combat ship deal sunk by Spain's Navantia

Faced with the contract won by the Spanish Navantia to equip the Royal Saudi Navy, the French Naval Group has conceded defeat. Intelligence Online takes a look into the background of a competition that did not go well from the start.