Overview of Al-Jundi Journal's Latest Release

The UAE Ministry of Defence's esteemed publication, Al-Jundi Journal, has unveiled its March 2026 Issue No. 626, marking a significant contribution to the discourse on contemporary security challenges and technological advancements. This monthly military and cultural magazine continues its tradition of delivering in-depth analyses, strategic insights, and updates on defence innovations, available in both Arabic and English. The issue, accessible digitally through the journal's official platform, delves into pressing global military dynamics while highlighting the UAE's proactive stance in defence research and development.

At the heart of this edition is a comprehensive examination of naval blockades as tools for achieving political objectives without full-scale war, alongside coverage of emerging security technologies, artificial intelligence applications in military logistics, and new weaponry that could reshape battlefields. These topics reflect the UAE's commitment to fostering intellectual contributions from experts, including academics from the National Defense College, to inform policy and strategy.

Historical Context and Role of Al-Jundi Journal

Established as the official voice of the UAE Ministry of Defence, Al-Jundi Journal has evolved over decades into a vital repository of military scholarship. Launched to bridge the gap between operational defence needs and academic research, it publishes studies, expert interviews, and technological overviews that support the UAE Armed Forces' modernization efforts. Past issues have covered everything from regional conflicts to advancements in unmanned systems, establishing it as a go-to resource for defence professionals across the Gulf and beyond.

In the context of Issue 626, the journal underscores the UAE's strategic pivot towards technology-driven security solutions. This aligns with national visions like the UAE Centennial 2071, emphasizing innovation in defence to safeguard sovereignty amid evolving threats such as hybrid warfare and cyber intrusions. The publication's bilingual format ensures accessibility, promoting knowledge exchange with international partners.

Main Feature: Naval Blockade Strategies in Modern Geopolitics

The standout section of Issue 626 is the main file titled "Naval Blockade: Can It Achieve Political Objectives While Avoiding Escalation?" authored by Dr. Shadi Abdelwahab Mansour, Assistant Professor at the UAE National Defense College. This rigorous analysis dissects the utility of naval blockades as coercive instruments, drawing on historical precedents and contemporary simulations.

Dr. Mansour examines the 1962 US 'quarantine' of Cuba, which compelled Soviet missile withdrawal through economic pressure and military posturing, and parallels it with the hypothetical 2025-2026 US blockade of Venezuela. He explores China's potential strategies against Taiwan, highlighting technologies like YJ-15/17/19/20 hypersonic missiles (Mach 5-9 speeds, 1,200-2,000 km ranges) launched from Type 055 destroyers or H-6 bombers. These systems integrate satellite, GPS, and radar guidance with anti-jamming features, enabling precise interdiction without direct combat.

The paper details blockade mechanics: surveillance via drones and patrols, vessel interception, cyber disruptions to shipping logistics, and mine deployment. It warns of escalation risks, including neutral state involvement and third-party interventions, noting declining efficacy due to trade rerouting and advanced countermeasures. For the UAE, with its strategic maritime position, such research informs Gulf security doctrines, emphasizing balanced force projection.Read the full naval blockade analysis here

Ground Maneuvers and Future Warfare Transformations

Another key research piece addresses "Ground Maneuvers in Future Wars," outlining the US Army's shift to modular combat teams for multi-domain operations. It discusses adaptations to urban, hybrid threats, incorporating unmanned systems, cyber operations, and loitering munitions like low-cost drones for precision strikes. For UAE forces, this resonates with exercises emphasizing infantry dominance in complex environments, blending conventional and unconventional tactics.

The study breaks down phased transformations: environmental assessments, capability reviews (command, sensing, fires, protection), and stress testing. It highlights the blurring of domains in high-intensity conflicts, urging balanced investments in AI-enabled sensing and economic targeting capabilities.

Spotlight on Cutting-Edge Security Technologies

Issue 626 dedicates significant space to new weapons and systems, showcasing UAE's EDGE Group's MIRSAD-X: a photovoltaic, AI-supported electro-optical system for harsh-environment target detection. Other highlights include Boeing's F-15EX with digital fly-by-wire and 29,000 lb payload; General Atomics' CCA 'loyal wingman' AI drones; Thales' Pocket Spot sniper detector (1.6 km lens reflection range); Nexan's X-Sword Sea autonomous swarm boats; and ST Engineering's VTOL drones, Taurus UGV, and Terrex IFV with hybrid engines/AI.

These technologies exemplify the integration of AI, autonomy, and modularity, critical for UAE's defence posture. For instance, Polish Stratus EMP jammers and San Counter-UAS walls address drone swarms, while HENSOLDT radars bolster European Sky Shield initiatives adaptable to Gulf needs.

• AI-driven electro-optics for persistent surveillance.
• Autonomous naval platforms for swarm tactics.
• Portable counter-sniper and EMP systems for urban ops.
• Hybrid IFVs with 360° AI video awareness.

AI and Cybersecurity: Emerging Defence Frontiers

AI permeates the issue, from UAE's leadership in hosting global summits to GCC maturity scores (UAE at 46/100, 37% expansion stage). Coverage of the Military Police Exhibition 2026 focuses on cybercrime, deepfakes, AI falsification, and youth resilience programs. The UAE Cybersecurity Council reports 60% of financial attacks stem from stolen credentials, advocating 2FA, auto-lock, and phishing training.

Articles warn of AI-enabled fraud, with Federal Law No. 31/2021 imposing up to 10 years imprisonment. This research underscores UAE's $3.3B smart cities investment by 2030, leveraging IoT and low-latency data centers for urban defence.Explore more on Al-Jundi's AI coverage

UAE's Strategic Defence Exhibitions and Partnerships

The issue previews DSA/NATSEC in Kuala Lumpur, profiling Malaysia's defence industry, and recaps the UAE Military Police Exhibition on cyber threats. International ties shine through UAE-Sierra Leone agreements and UAE-Turkey meetings, plus ADSB CEO David Massey's interview on shipbuilding localization, AI/stealth integration, and EDGE partnerships.

These elements position UAE as a hub for defence collaboration, with humanitarian efforts like the 'Umm Al Emirates' Gaza aid ship reinforcing soft power.

Implications for UAE National Security

Collectively, Issue 626's papers inform UAE's doctrine against Iranian threats (e.g., recent air defence intercepts of 338 ballistic missiles, 1,740 UAVs). By analyzing blockades, maneuvers, and tech, it equips policymakers with tools for deterrence without escalation. Cultural pieces on youth perceptions and health tie into holistic force readiness.

Stakeholders, from National Defense College academics to EDGE innovators, contribute multi-perspective views, balancing optimism in tech with escalation cautions.

Future Outlook: UAE Defence Innovation Horizon

Looking ahead, the journal signals UAE's trajectory: AI governance via UN appointments, GCC healthcare digitization ($1.83B by 2025), and Alzheimer's prevention through lifelong learning (40% risk cut). Actionable insights include tech adoption timelines, training modular units, and cyber hygiene protocols.

As threats evolve, Al-Jundi positions UAE research as pivotal for regional stability, urging sustained investment in hypersonics, autonomy, and hybrid capabilities. Future issues may expand on UN AI safety pacts and quantum-secure comms.

Photo by Ratih Astri on Unsplash

Engaging with UAE Defence Research Opportunities

For academics and researchers, Issue 626 exemplifies platforms for contributing to UAE security studies. The National Defense College's role highlights interdisciplinary needs in strategy, tech, and policy. Explore careers in defence R&D via specialized portals.