The DefenceMENA Defence Glossary explains the technology, terminology and systems behind modern defence coverage: how radars, missiles, electronic warfare and unmanned systems actually work, with real examples from Africa, the Middle East and Turkiye. Each entry answers a specific question in plain language and links to the news, analysis and country pages where that technology appears.
How to use this glossary: browse by category below, or use the “Latest terms” list for the most recently published entries. Every term links to related terms, relevant DefenceMENA coverage, and its sources.
Latest terms
- Cruise missile — a guided weapon powered for most of its flight that uses aerodynamic lift to follow a pre-programmed route to its target.
- Ballistic missile — a weapon powered only during launch that then follows a largely unpowered, gravity-driven trajectory to its target.
- Air defence — the sensors, command systems and weapons used to detect, track and destroy hostile aircraft, missiles and drones.
- Electronic warfare — the military use of the electromagnetic spectrum to detect, jam, deceive or protect against an adversary’s radars, radios and sensors.
- AESA radar — an active electronically scanned array radar that steers its beam electronically for faster tracking and better jam resistance.
Missiles
- Ballistic missile — a weapon powered only during launch that then follows a largely unpowered, gravity-driven trajectory to its target.
- Cruise missile — a guided weapon powered for most of its flight that uses aerodynamic lift to follow a pre-programmed route to its target.
Radar
- AESA radar — an active electronically scanned array radar that steers its beam electronically for faster tracking and better jam resistance.
Electronic Warfare
- Electronic warfare — the military use of the electromagnetic spectrum to detect, jam, deceive or protect against an adversary’s radars, radios and sensors.
Air Defence
- Air defence — the sensors, command systems and weapons used to detect, track and destroy hostile aircraft, missiles and drones.
Comparison articles
Comparison articles (such as AESA vs PESA radar) will be added to this section as they are published.