Riad Kahwaji

Stories by Riad Kahwaji

Saudi Chinook delivery on schedule, Boeing turns eyes to F-15 upgrades

Saudi Chinook delivery on schedule, Boeing turns eyes to F-15 upgrades
Saudi Chinook delivery on schedule, Boeing turns eyes to F-15 upgrades

A Boeing executive said the Saudis have successful used their F-15SA to “kill” cruise missiles fired by the Iranian-backed Houthi militias in Yemen, a missile defense capability that the Kingdom needs.

UAE agrees to buy its first Chinese fixed wing military aircraft: L-15

UAE agrees to buy its first Chinese fixed wing military aircraft: L-15
UAE agrees to buy its first Chinese fixed wing military aircraft: L-15

The UAE will buy a dozen L-15 trainers, with options for more, as the Emirates looks away from the US for military hardware.

General Atomics working to save SkyGuardian deal with UAE

General Atomics working to save SkyGuardian deal with UAE
General Atomics working to save SkyGuardian deal with UAE

UMEX 2022: Despite the United Arab Emirates withdrawing its letter of acceptance on a US weapons package that included 18 MQ-9B SkyGuardian unmanned aerial vehicles, General Atomics remains hopeful that a deal can still happen. The goal, a top company official said Wednesday, is to get the larger Foreign Military Sales (FMS) package broken up…

Insitu seeking enhanced partnerships in Gulf, including joint research

Insitu seeking enhanced partnerships in Gulf, including joint research
Insitu seeking enhanced partnerships in Gulf, including joint research

UMEX 2022: Insitu is engaged in discussions with a number of Arab Gulf nations with eyes on joint research and development projects, including proposals to build building on the capabilities of some of its current unmanned aerial vehicles in service in the region, particularly the Integrator. “We are well into discussions with our numerous partners…

Saab rolls out new 5G communications system: DeployNet

Saab rolls out new 5G communications system: DeployNet
Saab rolls out new 5G communications system: DeployNet

“The user, whether a military force or a rescue unit, can deploy in a remote area like the middle of the desert, and within minutes set up the communication system,” as Saab executive said.

Swarming drones in Abu Dhabi: UAE’s HALCON unveils new capability

Swarming drones in Abu Dhabi: UAE’s HALCON unveils new capability
Swarming drones in Abu Dhabi: UAE’s HALCON unveils new capability

“Once the target is identified, a decision is made among the swarm, and based on the target size, shape, and category, they decide how many drones are needed to destroy the target,” the company’s CEO told Breaking Defense.

Autonomous systems integration, UAS threats dominate UMEX conference

Autonomous systems integration, UAS threats dominate UMEX conference
Autonomous systems integration, UAS threats dominate UMEX conference

The UAE is both investing heavily in a domestic UAV industry and learning first-hand the risks from unmanned systems.

Saudi ballistic missile program seeks deterrence against Iran, Houthi strikes

Saudi ballistic missile program seeks deterrence against Iran, Houthi strikes
Saudi ballistic missile program seeks deterrence against Iran, Houthi strikes

There was no official Saudi comment on the media report about its new ballistic missiles facility, part of the ambiguity policy the Kingdom has maintained for years with regards to its ballistic missiles capability.

Kuwaiti Air Force’s new F-18s, Typhoons facing delivery delays

Kuwaiti Air Force’s new F-18s, Typhoons facing delivery delays
Kuwaiti Air Force’s new F-18s, Typhoons facing delivery delays

DUBAI: The year 2022 was supposed to be the year the Kuwait Air Force took almost full delivery of two long-awaited platforms that would double its size and multiply its capabilities. However, delays caused by the COVID-19 global pandemic have pushed the delivery and operationalization schedule to 2023 — which may end up a blessing…

UAE F-35 deal on life support after Emiratis cancel acceptance of weapons package

UAE F-35 deal on life support after Emiratis cancel acceptance of weapons package
UAE F-35 deal on life support after Emiratis cancel acceptance of weapons package

The UAE’s plans to buy the F-35 now seem rocky, with the Emiratis threatening to pull out of the agreement.

The Evolution of Terror Groups Since 9/11: From Tech to Politics

The Evolution of Terror Groups Since 9/11: From Tech to Politics
The Evolution of Terror Groups Since 9/11: From Tech to Politics

Terrorist groups have evolved in the past two decades, some growing powerful enough that they are now seeking to transform into political actors.

Hasty US Pullout from Afghanistan Invokes Regional Talk of Post Pax Americana

Hasty US Pullout from Afghanistan Invokes Regional Talk of Post Pax Americana
Hasty US Pullout from Afghanistan Invokes Regional Talk of Post Pax Americana

America’s allies in the Middle East are weighing options to avoid meeting the fate of the Afghani government, as regional scholars talk of the post Pax Americana era.

Qatar’s Massive Increase In Military Power Comes With Political, Logistical Headaches

Qatar’s Massive Increase In Military Power Comes With Political, Logistical Headaches
Qatar’s Massive Increase In Military Power Comes With Political, Logistical Headaches

As Qatar awaits permission from Paris to base Rafales and Mirages in Turkey, it grapples with the challenge of finding manpower and training them to use dozens of planes it has purchased.

US, France, Arab Allies Rush Help To Floundering Lebanese Armed Forces

US, France, Arab Allies Rush Help To Floundering Lebanese Armed Forces
US, France, Arab Allies Rush Help To Floundering Lebanese Armed Forces

While U.S. increases FMF to $120-million, France prepares international conference to assist the Lebanese Armed Forces whose budget was wiped out by collapse of country’s economy.

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