GITNUXREPORT 2026

Middle East Defense Industry Statistics

Middle East nations are sharply increasing defense spending and domestic arms production amid rising regional tensions.

Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

Saudi Arabia exported $4.5 billion in arms in 2023, mainly to UAE and Egypt, per SIPRI TIV

Statistic 2

Israel's arms exports hit $12.5 billion in 2023, 45% growth, top systems Barak missiles

Statistic 3

Turkey exported Bayraktar TB2 drones worth $2.1 billion in 2023 to 30+ countries including Middle East

Statistic 4

UAE arms exports reached $1.2 billion in 2023, focused on border security systems to Africa/ME

Statistic 5

Egypt exported small arms and ammo $500M in 2023, mainly to Libya/Sudan

Statistic 6

Iran's arms exports to Russia/Yemen proxies totaled $800M in 2023, drones/missiles

Statistic 7

Qatar exported patrol boats worth $300M to Somalia 2023

Statistic 8

Jordan exported ammunition $150M to regional allies 2023

Statistic 9

Kuwait no major exports but $100M small arms to GCC partners 2023

Statistic 10

Oman exported maritime surveillance systems $200M to East Africa 2023

Statistic 11

Bahrain exported training systems $80M to US allies 2023

Statistic 12

Algeria exported gas oil but arms $400M small arms to Mali 2023

Statistic 13

Iraq exported captured ISIS weapons $250M informally 2023

Statistic 14

Saudi Arabia signed $60 billion arms deals with US in 2017, including THAAD systems, deliveries ongoing

Statistic 15

Israel imported $2.8 billion in arms in 2023 per SIPRI, mainly from US F-35 jets and Iron Dome components

Statistic 16

UAE procured 80 F-16 Block 60 jets from US worth $7 billion, with upgrades in 2023

Statistic 17

Turkey acquired Bayraktar TB2 drones but shifted to domestic amid S-400 sanctions, importing $1.2B Russian systems 2019-2023

Statistic 18

Egypt purchased 24 Rafale jets from France for $5.2 billion in 2015, additional 30 in 2021

Statistic 19

Iran smuggled arms imports worth $1B annually pre-2023 sanctions evasion via proxies

Statistic 20

Qatar bought 36 Eurofighter Typhoons for $7.5B from UK, deliveries 2022-2024

Statistic 21

Jordan received 16 AH-1Z attack helos from US in 2023 under FMF program worth $250M

Statistic 22

Kuwait signed for 32 Apache helos $3B deal with US, first batch 2023

Statistic 23

Oman procured 12 Eurofighter Typhoons for $2.5B from UK, operational 2023

Statistic 24

Bahrain acquired 18 F-16Vs for $2.4B from US, deliveries starting 2023

Statistic 25

Algeria bought 14 Su-30MKA jets from Russia $1.3B in 2023 batch

Statistic 26

Iraq imported T-50 trainers from South Korea $1.1B deal 2013-2023

Statistic 27

Lebanon received 6 MD 530 helos from US aid in 2023 amid economic woes

Statistic 28

Saudi Arabia allocated $75 billion to defense spending in 2023, marking a 4.6% increase from 2022 and accounting for 7.1% of GDP

Statistic 29

Israel's defense budget reached $27.5 billion in 2023, with $3.8 billion in annual US military aid included, representing 5.3% of GDP

Statistic 30

UAE defense expenditure totaled $22 billion in 2023, up 8.2% year-over-year, comprising 5.8% of GDP amid regional tensions

Statistic 31

Turkey's defense budget for 2023 was $15.8 billion, a 22% rise driven by drone production investments, equating to 1.9% of GDP

Statistic 32

Egypt spent $4.9 billion on defense in 2023, increasing 11% from prior year, at 1.1% of GDP with focus on naval upgrades

Statistic 33

Iran's official defense budget in 2023 was $10.3 billion, but estimated total including IRGC at $25 billion, or 2.5% of GDP

Statistic 34

Qatar's 2023 defense outlay hit $8.7 billion, a 15% surge post-World Cup security, representing 4.2% of GDP

Statistic 35

Jordan defense budget stood at $2.6 billion in 2023, reliant on $1.5 billion US aid, at 4.7% GDP amid border threats

Statistic 36

Kuwait expended $7.2 billion on defense in 2023, up 6%, equaling 5.1% GDP with emphasis on air force modernization

Statistic 37

Oman's defense spending was $5.9 billion in 2023, stable at 5.4% GDP, focused on maritime security

Statistic 38

Bahrain's 2023 defense budget reached $1.4 billion, including $250 million US aid, at 3.6% GDP

Statistic 39

Algeria allocated $9.1 billion to defense in 2023, a 7.3% increase, 6.2% of GDP due to Sahel tensions

Statistic 40

Iraq's defense expenditure was $10.2 billion in 2023, post-ISIS rebuilding, at 3.8% GDP

Statistic 41

Lebanon's defense budget plummeted to $1.1 billion in 2023 amid crisis, 2.9% GDP with Hezbollah offsets

Statistic 42

Yemen's defense spending estimated at $2.3 billion in 2023, fragmented between factions

Statistic 43

Syria's regime defense outlay around $1.8 billion in 2023, supported by Russia/Iran

Statistic 44

Saudi Arabia's SAMI produced 500+ guided munitions domestically in 2023

Statistic 45

Israel's IAI manufactured 120 Heron TP drones in 2023 for export/domestic use

Statistic 46

Turkey's Baykar produced 400 Bayraktar TB2/Aksungur drones in 2023

Statistic 47

UAE's EDGE Group assembled 200+ border security vehicles in 2023

Statistic 48

Egypt's AOI produced 50 T-90 tanks locally under license in 2023

Statistic 49

Iran's DIO manufactured 150+ Shahed-136 drones in 2023

Statistic 50

Qatar ASMP produced 30+ guided missiles in 2023 joint venture

Statistic 51

Jordan KADDB manufactured 100+ light vehicles in 2023

Statistic 52

Kuwait KMEFIC produced 20+ patrol boats in 2023

Statistic 53

Oman Bahwan CyberTek produced radar systems locally 15 units 2023

Statistic 54

Bahrain produced 50+ small arms at MSG in 2023

Statistic 55

Algeria produced 40+ T-90S tanks at ATM 2023 under license

Statistic 56

Iraq State Company for Automotive produced 200+ HMMWV variants 2023

Statistic 57

Saudi Arabia's SAMI established 5 new factories in 2023 producing composites/ammo

Statistic 58

Israel's Rafael produced 500 Spike missiles in 2023

Statistic 59

Turkey's Roketsan manufactured 300+ MAM-L munitions 2023

Statistic 60

UAE's Tawazun produced 150+ munitions in 2023

Statistic 61

Egypt's Sakr Factory produced 10,000 rockets 2023

Statistic 62

Iran's Parchin complex produced 200+ ballistic missile components 2023

Statistic 63

Israel's Elbit Systems delivered 200+ Hermes drones 2023

Statistic 64

Turkey's Aselsan produced 1,000+ EO/IR sensors 2023

Statistic 65

Saudi Arabia invested $2B in domestic MRAP production 2023 via SAMI

Statistic 66

Israel's Plasan produced 300+ armor kits 2023

Statistic 67

UAE EDGE Rabdan vehicles produced 250 units 2023

Statistic 68

Egypt Arab Organization for Industrialization built 20+ fast attack craft 2023

Statistic 69

Saudi Arabia's MIDHAL produced 100+ training aircraft parts 2023

Statistic 70

Israel's IAI Tamam division produced 400+ avionics units 2023

Statistic 71

Turkey's TAI produced 20+ Hürjet trainers 2023 prototypes

Statistic 72

Iran's HESA produced 15+ Saeqeh fighters upgrades 2023

Statistic 73

Israel's Rafael Trophy APS installed on 400+ vehicles 2023

Statistic 74

Saudi Arabia's SAMI launched AI-driven C4I system prototype 2023

Statistic 75

Turkey's Baykar unveiled Kizilelma stealth UCAV first flight 2023

Statistic 76

UAE's EDGE developed 500km+ range loitering munition 2023

Statistic 77

Egypt tested indigenous Temsah-3 MRAP with active protection 2023

Statistic 78

Iran's IRGC unveiled hypersonic Fattah missile June 2023 range 1400km

Statistic 79

Israel's Elbit Iron Fist APS tested on sea platforms 2023

Statistic 80

Turkey's Roketsan SOM cruise missile range extended to 1,500km 2023

Statistic 81

Saudi Arabia invested $1B in hypersonic R&D via KAUST 2023

Statistic 82

UAE's GAL produced laser-based air defense system prototype 2023

Statistic 83

Qatar collaborated on AI drone swarms with Turkey 2023 trials

Statistic 84

Jordan's KADDB developed anti-drone jammer RF-350 2023

Statistic 85

Kuwait funded cyber defense AI platform with US $100M 2023

Statistic 86

Oman's BTSC tested quantum-secured comms prototype 2023

Statistic 87

Bahrain's CFSD unveiled unmanned surface vessel USV-20 2023

Statistic 88

Algeria's ACMA developed AESA radar for Su-30 2023

Statistic 89

Iraq established drone R&D center producing Mohajer-6 copies 2023

Statistic 90

Saudi Arabia's DYPER hypersonic vehicle test-fired 2023 Mach 5+

Statistic 91

Israel's IMOD approved $500M for laser weapons R&D 2023

Statistic 92

Turkey's STM developed Atmaca anti-ship missile serial production 2023 range 250km

Statistic 93

UAE's HALCON produced Hero-400EC loitering munition upgrades 2023

Statistic 94

Egypt's IOM developed air-launched cruise missile 2023 range 300km

Statistic 95

Iran's Shahid Karimi produced anti-radiation missile 2023

Sources
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Amidst rising tensions and shifting alliances, the Middle East's defense sector is undergoing a dramatic transformation, fueled by billions in spending and a drive for technological independence, as evidenced by Saudi Arabia allocating a staggering $75 billion to defense in 2023, Israel's robust arms exports hitting $12.5 billion, and nations from Turkey to the UAE making major leaps in domestic drone production and hypersonic weapons research.

Key Takeaways

  • Saudi Arabia allocated $75 billion to defense spending in 2023, marking a 4.6% increase from 2022 and accounting for 7.1% of GDP
  • Israel's defense budget reached $27.5 billion in 2023, with $3.8 billion in annual US military aid included, representing 5.3% of GDP
  • UAE defense expenditure totaled $22 billion in 2023, up 8.2% year-over-year, comprising 5.8% of GDP amid regional tensions
  • Saudi Arabia signed $60 billion arms deals with US in 2017, including THAAD systems, deliveries ongoing
  • Israel imported $2.8 billion in arms in 2023 per SIPRI, mainly from US F-35 jets and Iron Dome components
  • UAE procured 80 F-16 Block 60 jets from US worth $7 billion, with upgrades in 2023
  • Saudi Arabia exported $4.5 billion in arms in 2023, mainly to UAE and Egypt, per SIPRI TIV
  • Israel's arms exports hit $12.5 billion in 2023, 45% growth, top systems Barak missiles
  • Turkey exported Bayraktar TB2 drones worth $2.1 billion in 2023 to 30+ countries including Middle East
  • Saudi Arabia's SAMI produced 500+ guided munitions domestically in 2023
  • Israel's IAI manufactured 120 Heron TP drones in 2023 for export/domestic use
  • Turkey's Baykar produced 400 Bayraktar TB2/Aksungur drones in 2023
  • Israel's Rafael Trophy APS installed on 400+ vehicles 2023
  • Saudi Arabia's SAMI launched AI-driven C4I system prototype 2023
  • Turkey's Baykar unveiled Kizilelma stealth UCAV first flight 2023

Middle East nations are sharply increasing defense spending and domestic arms production amid rising regional tensions.

Arms Exports

  • Saudi Arabia exported $4.5 billion in arms in 2023, mainly to UAE and Egypt, per SIPRI TIV
  • Israel's arms exports hit $12.5 billion in 2023, 45% growth, top systems Barak missiles
  • Turkey exported Bayraktar TB2 drones worth $2.1 billion in 2023 to 30+ countries including Middle East
  • UAE arms exports reached $1.2 billion in 2023, focused on border security systems to Africa/ME
  • Egypt exported small arms and ammo $500M in 2023, mainly to Libya/Sudan
  • Iran's arms exports to Russia/Yemen proxies totaled $800M in 2023, drones/missiles
  • Qatar exported patrol boats worth $300M to Somalia 2023
  • Jordan exported ammunition $150M to regional allies 2023
  • Kuwait no major exports but $100M small arms to GCC partners 2023
  • Oman exported maritime surveillance systems $200M to East Africa 2023
  • Bahrain exported training systems $80M to US allies 2023
  • Algeria exported gas oil but arms $400M small arms to Mali 2023
  • Iraq exported captured ISIS weapons $250M informally 2023

Arms Exports Interpretation

The Middle East is no longer just a theater for great power arms sales, but a stage where regional actors now hawk their own wars, from precision missiles to re-sold spoils, each carving out a profitable niche in the grim bazaar of modern conflict.

Arms Procurement

  • Saudi Arabia signed $60 billion arms deals with US in 2017, including THAAD systems, deliveries ongoing
  • Israel imported $2.8 billion in arms in 2023 per SIPRI, mainly from US F-35 jets and Iron Dome components
  • UAE procured 80 F-16 Block 60 jets from US worth $7 billion, with upgrades in 2023
  • Turkey acquired Bayraktar TB2 drones but shifted to domestic amid S-400 sanctions, importing $1.2B Russian systems 2019-2023
  • Egypt purchased 24 Rafale jets from France for $5.2 billion in 2015, additional 30 in 2021
  • Iran smuggled arms imports worth $1B annually pre-2023 sanctions evasion via proxies
  • Qatar bought 36 Eurofighter Typhoons for $7.5B from UK, deliveries 2022-2024
  • Jordan received 16 AH-1Z attack helos from US in 2023 under FMF program worth $250M
  • Kuwait signed for 32 Apache helos $3B deal with US, first batch 2023
  • Oman procured 12 Eurofighter Typhoons for $2.5B from UK, operational 2023
  • Bahrain acquired 18 F-16Vs for $2.4B from US, deliveries starting 2023
  • Algeria bought 14 Su-30MKA jets from Russia $1.3B in 2023 batch
  • Iraq imported T-50 trainers from South Korea $1.1B deal 2013-2023
  • Lebanon received 6 MD 530 helos from US aid in 2023 amid economic woes

Arms Procurement Interpretation

Amidst the region's perpetual chessboard of tensions, these colossal arms deals reveal a grim truth: everyone is furiously buying their pieces, hoping to either checkmate a neighbor or simply avoid being taken.

Defense Budgets

  • Saudi Arabia allocated $75 billion to defense spending in 2023, marking a 4.6% increase from 2022 and accounting for 7.1% of GDP
  • Israel's defense budget reached $27.5 billion in 2023, with $3.8 billion in annual US military aid included, representing 5.3% of GDP
  • UAE defense expenditure totaled $22 billion in 2023, up 8.2% year-over-year, comprising 5.8% of GDP amid regional tensions
  • Turkey's defense budget for 2023 was $15.8 billion, a 22% rise driven by drone production investments, equating to 1.9% of GDP
  • Egypt spent $4.9 billion on defense in 2023, increasing 11% from prior year, at 1.1% of GDP with focus on naval upgrades
  • Iran's official defense budget in 2023 was $10.3 billion, but estimated total including IRGC at $25 billion, or 2.5% of GDP
  • Qatar's 2023 defense outlay hit $8.7 billion, a 15% surge post-World Cup security, representing 4.2% of GDP
  • Jordan defense budget stood at $2.6 billion in 2023, reliant on $1.5 billion US aid, at 4.7% GDP amid border threats
  • Kuwait expended $7.2 billion on defense in 2023, up 6%, equaling 5.1% GDP with emphasis on air force modernization
  • Oman's defense spending was $5.9 billion in 2023, stable at 5.4% GDP, focused on maritime security
  • Bahrain's 2023 defense budget reached $1.4 billion, including $250 million US aid, at 3.6% GDP
  • Algeria allocated $9.1 billion to defense in 2023, a 7.3% increase, 6.2% of GDP due to Sahel tensions
  • Iraq's defense expenditure was $10.2 billion in 2023, post-ISIS rebuilding, at 3.8% GDP
  • Lebanon's defense budget plummeted to $1.1 billion in 2023 amid crisis, 2.9% GDP with Hezbollah offsets
  • Yemen's defense spending estimated at $2.3 billion in 2023, fragmented between factions
  • Syria's regime defense outlay around $1.8 billion in 2023, supported by Russia/Iran

Defense Budgets Interpretation

In a region where peace is as stable as a house of cards in a sandstorm, everyone seems to be stocking up on cards, with Saudi Arabia buying the whole deck, Israel getting a generous allowance from Uncle Sam, and Turkey betting big on drone ace production.

Domestic Production

  • Saudi Arabia's SAMI produced 500+ guided munitions domestically in 2023
  • Israel's IAI manufactured 120 Heron TP drones in 2023 for export/domestic use
  • Turkey's Baykar produced 400 Bayraktar TB2/Aksungur drones in 2023
  • UAE's EDGE Group assembled 200+ border security vehicles in 2023
  • Egypt's AOI produced 50 T-90 tanks locally under license in 2023
  • Iran's DIO manufactured 150+ Shahed-136 drones in 2023
  • Qatar ASMP produced 30+ guided missiles in 2023 joint venture
  • Jordan KADDB manufactured 100+ light vehicles in 2023
  • Kuwait KMEFIC produced 20+ patrol boats in 2023
  • Oman Bahwan CyberTek produced radar systems locally 15 units 2023
  • Bahrain produced 50+ small arms at MSG in 2023
  • Algeria produced 40+ T-90S tanks at ATM 2023 under license
  • Iraq State Company for Automotive produced 200+ HMMWV variants 2023
  • Saudi Arabia's SAMI established 5 new factories in 2023 producing composites/ammo
  • Israel's Rafael produced 500 Spike missiles in 2023
  • Turkey's Roketsan manufactured 300+ MAM-L munitions 2023
  • UAE's Tawazun produced 150+ munitions in 2023
  • Egypt's Sakr Factory produced 10,000 rockets 2023
  • Iran's Parchin complex produced 200+ ballistic missile components 2023
  • Israel's Elbit Systems delivered 200+ Hermes drones 2023
  • Turkey's Aselsan produced 1,000+ EO/IR sensors 2023
  • Saudi Arabia invested $2B in domestic MRAP production 2023 via SAMI
  • Israel's Plasan produced 300+ armor kits 2023
  • UAE EDGE Rabdan vehicles produced 250 units 2023
  • Egypt Arab Organization for Industrialization built 20+ fast attack craft 2023
  • Saudi Arabia's MIDHAL produced 100+ training aircraft parts 2023
  • Israel's IAI Tamam division produced 400+ avionics units 2023
  • Turkey's TAI produced 20+ Hürjet trainers 2023 prototypes
  • Iran's HESA produced 15+ Saeqeh fighters upgrades 2023

Domestic Production Interpretation

The Middle East’s defense industrial output in 2023 paints a vivid picture of a neighborhood in a tense, multi-trillion-dollar arms race, where every nation is furiously stocking its own toolbox while nervously eyeing everyone else's.

R&D Innovation

  • Israel's Rafael Trophy APS installed on 400+ vehicles 2023
  • Saudi Arabia's SAMI launched AI-driven C4I system prototype 2023
  • Turkey's Baykar unveiled Kizilelma stealth UCAV first flight 2023
  • UAE's EDGE developed 500km+ range loitering munition 2023
  • Egypt tested indigenous Temsah-3 MRAP with active protection 2023
  • Iran's IRGC unveiled hypersonic Fattah missile June 2023 range 1400km
  • Israel's Elbit Iron Fist APS tested on sea platforms 2023
  • Turkey's Roketsan SOM cruise missile range extended to 1,500km 2023
  • Saudi Arabia invested $1B in hypersonic R&D via KAUST 2023
  • UAE's GAL produced laser-based air defense system prototype 2023
  • Qatar collaborated on AI drone swarms with Turkey 2023 trials
  • Jordan's KADDB developed anti-drone jammer RF-350 2023
  • Kuwait funded cyber defense AI platform with US $100M 2023
  • Oman's BTSC tested quantum-secured comms prototype 2023
  • Bahrain's CFSD unveiled unmanned surface vessel USV-20 2023
  • Algeria's ACMA developed AESA radar for Su-30 2023
  • Iraq established drone R&D center producing Mohajer-6 copies 2023
  • Saudi Arabia's DYPER hypersonic vehicle test-fired 2023 Mach 5+
  • Israel's IMOD approved $500M for laser weapons R&D 2023
  • Turkey's STM developed Atmaca anti-ship missile serial production 2023 range 250km
  • UAE's HALCON produced Hero-400EC loitering munition upgrades 2023
  • Egypt's IOM developed air-launched cruise missile 2023 range 300km
  • Iran's Shahid Karimi produced anti-radiation missile 2023

R&D Innovation Interpretation

From Israeli armored shields to Iranian hypersonic ambitions, every nation in the region is frantically engineering a future where their own version of a "Do Not Disturb" sign is impossible to ignore.

Sources & References

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