Putin ally Alexey Rogozin analyzed Turkish aerospace company Baykar’s acquisition of Italy’s renowned Piaggio Aerospace:

This move challenges Europe’s technological sovereignty. Türkiye has emerged as a new, powerful aviation player.

Piaggio Aerospace grants Baykar access to advanced European technologies and supply chains, marking Türkiye’s shift from local successes to global expansion.

In the civil aviation sector dominated by European and American players, Turkish influence will now be felt. Baykar’s engine production capabilities will also grow significantly.

Elon Musk on Greenland:

The people of Greenland should decide their future and I think they want to be part of America!

Deputy Commander of IDF's Nahal Brigade, Captain Eitan Shekhnezi, has been killed in an IED explosion in Beit Hanoun, Gaza.

BIG: Israel must prepare for potential war with Turkey, Netenyahu appointed Nagel Committee says

The Nagel Committee, established by the Israeli government, has issued a report warning of the growing risk of direct conflict with Turkey.

It highlights “Turkey’s ambitions to reclaim Ottoman-era influence, posing a threat that could surpass even the Iranian challenge.”

“The Syrian threat could transform into something more perilous, with Turkish-backed forces acting as proxies to destabilize the region,” the report states.

To address these emerging threats, the committee proposed several key measures:

Advanced Weaponry: Acquiring more F-15 jets, refueling aircraft, drones, and satellites to enhance long-range strike capabilities.

Air Defense Systems: Strengthening multi-layered air defense with Iron Dome, David’s Sling, Arrow systems, and the newly operational Iron Beam.

Border Security: Building a fortified security barrier along the Jordan Valley, despite possible diplomatic tensions with Jordan.

Netanyahu commented on the report, stating:

“We are witnessing fundamental changes in the Middle East. This report provides a crucial roadmap to secure Israel’s future.”

The Nagel Committee, chaired by Jacob Nagel, has also recommended a strategic shift for the IDF, allocating 70% of the defense budget to “offensive operations” and proposing a nine-billion-shekel ($2.48 billion) increase for 2025.

Source: The Jerusalem Post

Following the rehabilitation of Damascus International Airport after the fall of the Assad regime, flights have resumed.

- Levant 24

U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein reassures that Israel will fully withdraw from southern Lebanon as per the 60-day truce deal. He confirmed the Israeli pullout from Naqoura on Monday, with the Lebanese military redeploying in the town.

"Progress is being made, and more withdrawals will follow," he stated after meeting with Lebanese officials.

Gaza, where starving people are trapped in a land reduced to rubble

Most Gazans (90%) are internally displaced, moving repeatedly to avoid bombings or fighting, and struggle to find food or shelter. 345,000 people face catastrophic food insecurity.

The WFP food that has been allowed into the strip can only cover a third of what is needed to reach the hungriest people.

"A 25kg bag of wheat flour can sell for US$150. In an enclave where farmers once harvested citrus, vegetables and strawberries, I saw small peppers selling for US$195 a kilo in a Gaza City market. Nobody was buying them. Nobody could afford them," said Ghattas Hakoura, a WFP-supported commercial bakery owner in Gaza City.

- UN News

NEW: Pentagon labels more Chinese companies as military in nature

The Pentagon has added several major Chinese companies to its list of “Chinese military companies,” including tech giants like Tencent, battery leader CATL, and shipping firm Cosco. This move highlights concerns over China’s fusion of commercial and military technology. Tencent’s U.S.-listed shares dropped nearly 8% following the announcement. Tencent has denied the accusation, calling it a mistake.

- WSJ

In a first, Turkish President Erdogan reveals that Türkiye is developing 2,000+ km range ballistic missiles.

"We have decided to both strengthen our stock of missiles with ranges exceeding 800 km and accelerate our development program for missiles with ranges over 2,000 km. "

NEW: Western investors ‘stupid’ to shun arms industry, says Nato official

NATO Admiral Rob Bauer criticises Western banks, pension funds and credit rating agencies for neglect of defence investment. He urges financial institutions to adapt to rising security threats and warns that missing out on defence funding could be a costly mistake.

Admiral Rob Bauer says the rise in geopolitical power between China and the US could lead to war. He criticised European banks for not investing in defence despite a growing demand for military equipment.

"Defence is not a cost, it's an investment," he insisted, calling for a rethink of outdated policies that are holding back the defence industry.

"Why aren't you convinced by trillions of dollars? What happened to your business instincts? Are you stupid? And that's what I say to the pension funds. Are you stupid? If you look at the return on investment . . there's so much money to be spent over the next 20 years," Bauer said.

- Financial Times

Iran has almost doubled the number of its annual winter military exercises in a show of strength following the election of Donald Trump in the US.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards have announced 30 land, air and naval drills in six western provinces. These will continue until mid-March. The Guards and the conventional army are working together to counter 'new threats'.

"The number of exercises has almost doubled this year compared to last year in response to the evolving threat landscape. These exercises are significantly larger and more sophisticated, with new weapons and expanded participation of brigades in realistic operations," Brigadier General Ali Mohammad Naeini said.

The exercises began shortly before the inauguration of Trump this month, whose return has heightened concerns in Tehran's political circles.