SEOUL - Egypt is nearing a deal to buy up to 100 South Korean-made FA-50 light combat jets, according to Egyptian Ambassador Khaled Abdelrahman. The deal includes technology transfer, with initial procurement of around 36 aircraft valued at approximately $1 billion. Eventually, up to 70 jets may be manufactured locally in Helwan, Egypt, through collaboration between Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Egypt's state-owned Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI).

This potential agreement reflects expanding military ties between the two countries, highlighted by Egypt’s earlier acquisition of a Pohang-class corvette and a $1.66 billion deal in 2023 for South Korean-made K9 self-propelled howitzers.

The relationship marks its 30th anniversary in 2025, with South Korea viewing Egypt as a strategic gateway to Middle East and African markets. Bilateral cooperation extends beyond defense, exemplified by Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power's involvement in Egypt's first nuclear power plant at El Dabaa and Samsung's new manufacturing facility in Beni Suef.

Source: defenceWeb
Associated URL: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/african-news/egypt-close-to-acquiring-fa-50-light-combat-aircraft-from-south-korea/

WASHINGTON - A Chinese satellite company linked to China's military is providing Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen with satellite imagery to target U.S. warships and commercial vessels in the Red Sea, U.S. officials say. Washington has repeatedly warned Beijing about Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co. Ltd. (CGSTL), alleging the company's activities contradict China's stated commitment to peace. Despite U.S. concerns and recent diplomatic outreach, Beijing reportedly ignored the issue.

CGSTL previously faced U.S. sanctions in 2023 for supplying satellite imagery to Russia's Wagner Group. Founded in 2014, CGSTL is part of China’s military-civil fusion strategy, sharing technology with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) upon request.

Houthi attacks intensified following Israel's war against Hamas in 2023, prompting the U.S. to escalate military strikes in Yemen. The Biden administration had urged China to leverage its relationship with Iran to restrain the Houthis, but saw no evidence of Chinese action. China maintains it is unaware of CGSTL’s involvement.

Source: Financial Times
Associated URL: https://www.ft.com/content/628b404b-2a24-4853-8f3c-9caad408ef8f

LONDON - British soldiers have successfully tracked, targeted and defeated swarms of drones in the latest trial of a new directed energy weapon developed in the UK. The trial was completed at a weapons range in West Wales and was the largest counter-drone swarm exercise the British Army have conducted to date.

The weapon system demonstrator is a type of Radiofrequency Directed Energy Weapon (RF DEW) and has proven capable of neutralising multiple targets simultaneously with near-instant effect.

The UK Government has invested more than £40 million in RF DEW research and development to date, supporting 135 highly skilled jobs in Northern Ireland and the South-East of England.

It uses high frequency radio waves to disrupt or damage critical electronic components inside drones, causing them to crash or malfunction. At an estimated cost of 10p per shot fired, if developed into operational service it could provide a cost-effective complement to traditional missile-based air defense systems.

RF DEW systems can defeat airborne targets at ranges of up to 1km and are effective against threats which cannot be jammed using electronic warfare. The successful trial comes as drone swarms are increasingly seen in use in frontline combat in Ukraine. UK Defence Intelligence estimates that last year Ukraine had to defend against attacks from more than 18,000 drones.

Source: U.K. MoD
Associated URL: https://www.gov.uk/