Saudi Arabia in talks with US company for AI-powered drones, sources say

Saudi Arabia is in talks to purchase AI-powered drones from the US company Shield AI for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance purposes. The potential acquisition of the V-Bat drone model is intended to bolster the kingdom's security role in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea. This move occurs amidst heightened regional tensions, including clashes with the UAE in Yemen and efforts by Riyadh to forge new security ties with Somalia and Eritrea. The discussions are part of a broader US-Saudi defense partnership designed to accelerate arms sales to the kingdom.