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International Dealmaking

Jared Cohen (third from left) at the Doha Forum in December 2024. © IMAGO/Naushad via Reuters Connect

Spotlight | Qatar, United States
AI in the Gulf: Doha's networker PM keeps Qatar at top table in data centre negotiations

To position itself as a reliable data centre hub, Qatar needs to build relationships in Silicon Valley. For this, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani's decade-old friendship with a former Google executive turned Wall Street financier is proving useful.

Subscribers only 04.07.2025

France, Iraq
Macron trip to Iraq shapes up as Paris eyes trade deals, especially in defence

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani (left) and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on 26 January 2023. A visit by the French Head of State to Iraq is planned for autumn 2025. © Christophe Archambault/Pool/EPA/MaxPPP

Subscribers only 03.07.2025

Israel, Vietnam
Elbit Systems makes Swiss detour to export to Vietnam

Hanoi is discreetly using Israeli military telecommunications systems. To obtain them, it uses an Israeli-Swiss commercial network, which in turn is linked to another company in the secure communications sector.

Subscribers only 27.06.2025

Iraq, United Kingdom
Russian giant Lukoil sues Korean bank over Iraq contracts

The Lukoil subsidiary in charge of exploiting a mega field in Iraq has taken a Korean bank to court in the United Kingdom. The case illustrates how the oil giant is still overseeing a number of international legal proceedings via its subsidiaries, which are not under sanctions.

Subscribers only 19.06.2025

Saudi Arabia
From Riyadh to Paris, the sprawling business networks of MbS's would-be deputy crown princes

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the Saudi-US Investment Forum at the King Abdul Aziz International Conference Centre in Riyadh on 13 May 2025. © Brendan Smialowski/AFP

Subscribers only 18.06.2025

Oman
Chinese groups' partner in Oman prospects in Paris for geospatial intelligence and drones

An Omani businessman who is already a Thales agent and has strong connections in Muscat is a partner in the major Gulf economic forum organised by France and held in Paris on 17 June. With numerous clients in the sultanate's armed forces and police, his company is also opening Oman's doors to Chinese groups.

Subscribers only International Dealmaking 17.06.2025

Saudi Arabia
PwC enlists former US defence intelligence official to target Saudi contracts

The business of overhauling Saudi military and security institutions and training their staff is worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Consulting giant PwC is making its moves in the throng of contractors trying to get a slice of the pie.

Subscribers only International Dealmaking 10.06.2025

Saudi Arabia, UAE
Abu Dhabi-funded French start-up QuantCube breaks into Gulf market

After signing a joint venture with Abu Dhabi's Strategic Development Fund, already a stakeholder, French macroeconomic big data analytics company QuantCube is also to start operating in Riyadh and Doha.

Subscribers only International Dealmaking 02.06.2025

Spotlight | Israel, Japan, United States
Tokyo feels the heat from Washington and Mossad amid GCAP jet programme developments

Global Combat Air Programme, part 3: Tokyo's decision to partner with European allies to develop a sixth generation fighter jet has irked Washington, Intelligence Online has learned, although US diplomats remain cautious in their messaging.

Subscribers only International Dealmaking 22.05.2025

A model of the new-generation GCAP (Global Combat Air Programme) fighter aircraft developed jointly by Japan, Italy and the United Kingdom on display in Tokyo on 18 October 2024.

France, Qatar
Qatar's shadow lingers behind bid for new French and Royal Air Force training jets

Among several operators to have bid to replace the French and Royal air forces' training aircraft, one company purporting to be British stands a good chance. But the firm has kept quiet, however, the fact that at any moment Qatar could take control of the majority of its capital.

Subscribers only International Dealmaking 21.05.2025

Jets from the French Air Force Patrouille de France fly over the Arc de Triomphe in Paris on 8 May 2025.

Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom
Tokyo weighs potential Saudi entry into GCAP fighter jet programme amid mounting pressures

Global Combat Air Programme, part 2: Tokyo's efforts to convey its respect to Riyadh, but also set expectations on any long term defence partnership, came undone in late April when the Saudi defence minister abruptly cancelled a planned visit to Osaka.

Subscribers only International Dealmaking 13.05.2025

A model of the next-generation fighter jet GCAP jointly developed by Japan, Italy and the UK photographed at the 2024 Japan International Aerospace Exhibition, in Tokyo, on 18 October 2024.

Spotlight | Saudi Arabia, United States
How a Saudi Arabian university is quietly pouring millions into US tech

Through a discreet US-based vehicle, the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology plans to pump $200m over the next ten years into Silicon Valley firms.

Subscribers only International Dealmaking 08.05.2025

View of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology's (KAUST) campus in Saudi Arabia's western Red Sea town of Thuwal.

Pakistan, Poland, Ukraine
Poland still keen on Pakistan's defence industry to arm Ukraine

Islamabad is increasingly attracting Kyiv's supporters, particularly in the area of air defence. Warsaw, for example, recently started taking an interest in new acquisitions from Pakistan's defence industry.

Subscribers only International Dealmaking 29.04.2025

The Global Industrial & Defence Solutions (GIDS) stand at the IDEAS 2024 exhibition in Karachi, Pakistan, on 21 November 2024.

France, Israel
CMA CGM pitches for UN customs contract in Israel

The French shipping firm is bidding for a contract with a UN agency to provide customs clearance services through its logistics subsidiary.

Subscribers only International Dealmaking 28.04.2025

Pakistan, Russia
The Karachi-based firm serving Russia's most strategic interests in Pakistan

Moscow continues to court Islamabad, despite Pakistan's role as a supplier of military equipment to Kyiv. A discreet Karachi-based company serves as the hub for Russia in the private security, defence, steel and nuclear sectors.

Subscribers only International Dealmaking 24.04.2025

Saudi Arabia
Window of opportunity opens up for Paris with Saudi navy

Having been squeezed out of major naval contracts under Mohammed bin Salman, French defence leaders might be able to nudge their way back in, via a sector where their Spanish rivals lag behind.

Subscribers only International Dealmaking 17.04.2025

Delivery ceremony of a corvette built by Navantia for the Royal Saudi Naval Force (RSNF) in Cadiz (Spain), in July 2022.

Spotlight | Bahrain, Saudi Arabia
Drone firm under the wing of Bahrain spymaster lands in Saudi Arabia

Haris Unmanned Systems, a small company developing "Saudi made" drone prototypes, is looking to involve itself in Saudi Arabia's defence industrialisation plans. It has already tried to sell its wares in Bahrain but had its plans there hampered by the presence of the US Fifth Fleet.

Subscribers only International Dealmaking 16.04.2025

Drone firm Haris Unmanned Systems' development in Bahrain has been hampered. The presence of the US Fifth Fleet restricts the airspace available for testing.

Spotlight | Saudi Arabia
Saudi's naval champion Sofon hiring in Europe

Aramco subsidiary Sofon is expected to build the kingdom's future naval military-civilian complex, a project revealed in early 2024 by Intelligence Online, but which is still being kept under wraps by the authorities. The entity is increasingly bringing foreign consultants on board to help, particularly European ones.

Subscribers only International Dealmaking 14.04.2025

Pakistan
The Karachi defence firm dabbling in Russian inflatable decoys and Taiwanese drones

A Taiwanese drone manufacturer, which has supplied its wares to Ukraine, has found a way to prospect in Pakistan despite Islamabad's support for Beijing's "One China policy". The company operates through an unlikely firm based in Karachi, which appears to be involved in the inflatable decoy war.

Subscribers only International Dealmaking 11.04.2025

The Universal Smart Military Systems sales brochure.

Qatar
KNDS on verge of losing huge Qatari armoured vehicle contract

KNDS looks set to lose out on a long-hoped for contract to supply Qatar's defence ministry with armoured vehicles, which would be a major setback for the Franco-German company.

Free access International Dealmaking 02.04.2025

A new RCH 155 wheeled howitzer from tank manufacturer KNDS during a presentation at the Altengrabow military training area, in Germany, 26 June 2024.

The weekly summary

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China, Europe, India, Russia, Saudi Arabia, UAE, United States
The geopolitical power plays in Earth observation

China, Europe
Chinese influence and interference in Western Europe

Europe, Russia
Chechen separatism, the anti-Putin trump card

Ukraine
Jamming wars

Central America, China, South America
Beijing on the offensive in Washington's spheres of influence

Insiders | China
Security, propaganda and the PLA: Xi Jinping forges new networks of influence

Insiders | Qatar
Barzan Holdings, Qatar's defence industry giant springing up out of the desert

International Dealmaking

Spotlight | Qatar, United States
AI in the Gulf: Doha's networker PM keeps Qatar at top table in data centre negotiations

France, Iraq
Macron trip to Iraq shapes up as Paris eyes trade deals, especially in defence

Israel, Vietnam
Elbit Systems makes Swiss detour to export to Vietnam

Iraq, United Kingdom
Russian giant Lukoil sues Korean bank over Iraq contracts

Saudi Arabia
From Riyadh to Paris, the sprawling business networks of MbS's would-be deputy crown princes

Oman
Chinese groups' partner in Oman prospects in Paris for geospatial intelligence and drones

Saudi Arabia
PwC enlists former US defence intelligence official to target Saudi contracts

Saudi Arabia, UAE
Abu Dhabi-funded French start-up QuantCube breaks into Gulf market

Spotlight | Israel, Japan, United States
Tokyo feels the heat from Washington and Mossad amid GCAP jet programme developments

France, Qatar
Qatar's shadow lingers behind bid for new French and Royal Air Force training jets

Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom
Tokyo weighs potential Saudi entry into GCAP fighter jet programme amid mounting pressures

Spotlight | Saudi Arabia, United States
How a Saudi Arabian university is quietly pouring millions into US tech

Pakistan, Poland, Ukraine
Poland still keen on Pakistan's defence industry to arm Ukraine

France, Israel
CMA CGM pitches for UN customs contract in Israel

Pakistan, Russia
The Karachi-based firm serving Russia's most strategic interests in Pakistan

Saudi Arabia
Window of opportunity opens up for Paris with Saudi navy

Spotlight | Bahrain, Saudi Arabia
Drone firm under the wing of Bahrain spymaster lands in Saudi Arabia

Spotlight | Saudi Arabia
Saudi's naval champion Sofon hiring in Europe

Pakistan
The Karachi defence firm dabbling in Russian inflatable decoys and Taiwanese drones

Qatar
KNDS on verge of losing huge Qatari armoured vehicle contract

The weekly summary

About Intelligence Online

Subscription

Intelligence Online on social media

Indigo Publications' websites

About Intelligence Online

Subscription

Indigo Publications' websites

China, Europe, India, Russia, Saudi Arabia, UAE, United States The geopolitical power plays in Earth observation

China, Europe Chinese influence and interference in Western Europe

Europe, Russia Chechen separatism, the anti-Putin trump card

Ukraine Jamming wars

Central America, China, South America Beijing on the offensive in Washington's spheres of influence

Insiders | China Security, propaganda and the PLA: Xi Jinping forges new networks of influence

Insiders | Qatar Barzan Holdings, Qatar's defence industry giant springing up out of the desert

International Dealmaking

Spotlight | Qatar, United States AI in the Gulf: Doha's networker PM keeps Qatar at top table in data centre negotiations

France, Iraq Macron trip to Iraq shapes up as Paris eyes trade deals, especially in defence

Israel, Vietnam Elbit Systems makes Swiss detour to export to Vietnam

Iraq, United Kingdom Russian giant Lukoil sues Korean bank over Iraq contracts

Saudi Arabia From Riyadh to Paris, the sprawling business networks of MbS's would-be deputy crown princes

Oman Chinese groups' partner in Oman prospects in Paris for geospatial intelligence and drones

Saudi Arabia PwC enlists former US defence intelligence official to target Saudi contracts

Saudi Arabia, UAE Abu Dhabi-funded French start-up QuantCube breaks into Gulf market

Spotlight | Israel, Japan, United States Tokyo feels the heat from Washington and Mossad amid GCAP jet programme developments

France, Qatar Qatar's shadow lingers behind bid for new French and Royal Air Force training jets

Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom Tokyo weighs potential Saudi entry into GCAP fighter jet programme amid mounting pressures

Spotlight | Saudi Arabia, United States How a Saudi Arabian university is quietly pouring millions into US tech

Pakistan, Poland, Ukraine Poland still keen on Pakistan's defence industry to arm Ukraine

France, Israel CMA CGM pitches for UN customs contract in Israel

Pakistan, Russia The Karachi-based firm serving Russia's most strategic interests in Pakistan

Saudi Arabia Window of opportunity opens up for Paris with Saudi navy

Spotlight | Bahrain, Saudi Arabia Drone firm under the wing of Bahrain spymaster lands in Saudi Arabia

Spotlight | Saudi Arabia Saudi's naval champion Sofon hiring in Europe

Pakistan The Karachi defence firm dabbling in Russian inflatable decoys and Taiwanese drones

Qatar KNDS on verge of losing huge Qatari armoured vehicle contract

The weekly summary

About Intelligence Online

Subscription

Intelligence Online on social media

Indigo Publications' websites

China, Europe, India, Russia, Saudi Arabia, UAE, United States
The geopolitical power plays in Earth observation

China, Europe
Chinese influence and interference in Western Europe

Europe, Russia
Chechen separatism, the anti-Putin trump card

Ukraine
Jamming wars

Central America, China, South America
Beijing on the offensive in Washington's spheres of influence

Insiders | China
Security, propaganda and the PLA: Xi Jinping forges new networks of influence

Insiders | Qatar
Barzan Holdings, Qatar's defence industry giant springing up out of the desert

Spotlight | Qatar, United States
AI in the Gulf: Doha's networker PM keeps Qatar at top table in data centre negotiations

France, Iraq
Macron trip to Iraq shapes up as Paris eyes trade deals, especially in defence

Israel, Vietnam
Elbit Systems makes Swiss detour to export to Vietnam

Iraq, United Kingdom
Russian giant Lukoil sues Korean bank over Iraq contracts

Saudi Arabia
From Riyadh to Paris, the sprawling business networks of MbS's would-be deputy crown princes

Oman
Chinese groups' partner in Oman prospects in Paris for geospatial intelligence and drones

Saudi Arabia
PwC enlists former US defence intelligence official to target Saudi contracts

Saudi Arabia, UAE
Abu Dhabi-funded French start-up QuantCube breaks into Gulf market

Spotlight | Israel, Japan, United States
Tokyo feels the heat from Washington and Mossad amid GCAP jet programme developments

France, Qatar
Qatar's shadow lingers behind bid for new French and Royal Air Force training jets

Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom
Tokyo weighs potential Saudi entry into GCAP fighter jet programme amid mounting pressures

Spotlight | Saudi Arabia, United States
How a Saudi Arabian university is quietly pouring millions into US tech

Pakistan, Poland, Ukraine
Poland still keen on Pakistan's defence industry to arm Ukraine

France, Israel
CMA CGM pitches for UN customs contract in Israel

Pakistan, Russia
The Karachi-based firm serving Russia's most strategic interests in Pakistan

Saudi Arabia
Window of opportunity opens up for Paris with Saudi navy

Spotlight | Bahrain, Saudi Arabia
Drone firm under the wing of Bahrain spymaster lands in Saudi Arabia

Spotlight | Saudi Arabia
Saudi's naval champion Sofon hiring in Europe

Pakistan
The Karachi defence firm dabbling in Russian inflatable decoys and Taiwanese drones

Qatar
KNDS on verge of losing huge Qatari armoured vehicle contract