There appears to be a growing curiosity in some Persian Gulf nations for Russian military equipment, a trend discussed by Breaking Defense in its American edition with insights attributed to Christian Ulrichsen of Rice University’s Baker Institute in the United States. The discussions point to a potential shift in defense procurement patterns that could influence regional security dynamics in the coming years.
According to Ulrichsen, one plausible driver for renewed attention is the tightening of supply lines for fifth-generation platforms such as the F-35 Lightning II and for advanced electronic warfare systems to Gulf states. This context helps explain why some Gulf buyers may be exploring alternative sources to maintain capabilities that are critical for air and cyber operations.
Ulrichsen also noted that historical and ongoing sanctions, including measures affecting close US partners, did not completely halt cooperation with Russian defense manufacturers. The resilient links between state-backed suppliers and Gulf defense ministries suggest a pragmatic approach to sovereign security needs in an environment of evolving threats.
Reporting from Breaking Defense, the piece describes a broad showcase of technology where American, European, and Russian defense systems are presented side by side at the IDEX event in the United Arab Emirates, which took place from February 20 to 24. The exhibition serves as a barometer for what buyers in the region are considering, testing, and comparing across different technology families and industrial ecosystems.
The article also underscores a competitive landscape that extends beyond procurement debates. The same platforms and systems that are advertised for sale in the Gulf are being actively deployed and tested in ongoing conflicts, including the situation in Ukraine. This juxtaposition highlights how buyers weigh perceptions of reliability, interoperability, and long-term maintenance when evaluating potential purchases.
In a concluding note, the Kalashnikov concern issued a declaration affirming the existence of new export contracts despite external pressures. The statement signals that commercial demand in the region remains robust for certain classes of defense hardware, even amid political and trade headwinds. The broader takeaway is that defense procurement in the Gulf continues to be influenced by a mix of strategic considerations, supply chain realities, and the desire to diversify sources of high-end capabilities for deterrence and crisis management.