AN ITP MEDIA GROUP PUBLICATION AI & CYBER WARFARE UNLOCKED How tech is defining military action in the Middle East JULY - SEPTEMBER 2023 • VOL. 01 • ISSUE 01SPEED IS EVERYTHING DeployNet Secure Mission Critical 5G Network-On-Demand DeployNet is a mission-ready deployable tactical 5G/LTE infrastructure providing a wireless high-capacity bandwidth network in a flexible end-to-end solution built for the most challenging environments. Designed for continuous high-speed connectivity it provides sensor data transmission (cameras, drones, movement and acoustic sensors), voice communications, live video stream, and geo location. To learn more, visit: saab.com/products/deploynet SAAB-0437 Ad DeployNet_ 205x275_FINAL_PRINT.indd 12023-06-15 13:11www.defsecme.comJuly - September 2023 | DEFSEC 3 How tech is defi ning military action in the Middle East Inside MBDA and Tawazun’s fi rst missile engineering centre outside of Europe AI & CYBER WARFARE UNLOCKED MIDDLE EAST MISSILES 32 24NEXT GENERATION TRAINING MILITARY SUPPLY CHAIN The Middle East’s mission readiness, explored A closer look at the challenges that drive aggressive diversifi cation 18 10 CONTENTSwww.defsecme.com 4 DEFSEC | July-September 2023 Jean-Loup Samaan on the Gulf’s pursuit of strategic autonomyInside SAAB’s 5G communications system INTERVIEWCOMMUNICATIONS, DEPLOYED 54 48 Dr Waël Kanoun, THALES Managing Director of Cyber Defence Solutions in the Middle East, on the latest threats and what need to be done CYBER COMMANDS 47 Contentswww.defsecme.comJuly - September 2023 | DEFSEC 5 LOCK AND LOAD, DEFSEC IS HERE! Awad Mustafa Editor, Defence & Security Middle East awad.mustafa@itp.com Defence & Security Middle East is your quarterly magazine that looks into everything in the region, this month we bring you the question of Artifi cial Intelligence. In recent years, the Middle East has witnessed a remarkable evolution in its military capabilities, and one of the most signifi cant driving forces behind this transformation has been the rapid integration of AI. As we embark on a new era of warfare, it has become crucial to shed light on the impact and implications of AI in the region’s military landscape. AI technologies have the potential to revolutionise the way confl icts are waged, off ering unprecedented opportunities for effi ciency, precision, and strategic advantage, just look at what the Fifth Fleet has done with Task Force 59, on page 18. Middle Eastern nations have recognised this potential and are investing heavily in developing and deploying AI systems across various aspects of their military operations. One of the primary areas where AI is making a substantial diff erence is autonomous systems and unmanned vehicles. The Middle East has become a hotbed for the development and utilisation of unmanned surface vessels (USVs). These AI-powered machines are being deployed for surveillance, reconnaissance, and even off ensive operations, providing militaries with enhanced situational awareness and the ability to strike targets with precision. Cyber security is another crucial aspect of modern warfare where AI is proving its worth. Middle Eastern nations, like many others, face constant cyber threats from both state-sponsored actors and non-state entities, fi nd out more about this on page 44. AI-based systems can identify patterns and anomalies in network traffi c, detect and respond to cyberattacks, and strengthen overall defences, ensuring the integrity and security of critical infrastructure. The Middle East is at the forefront of AI integration in the military domain, presenting both opportunities and challenges. It is essential for governments, researchers, and international organisations to collaborate and establish frameworks that promote responsible and ethical AI usage, while also encouraging innovation and maintaining regional stability. 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