Riad Kahwaji

Stories by Riad Kahwaji

Houthi Red Sea strikes kill first sailors, as ballistic missile threat proliferates

Houthi Red Sea strikes kill first sailors, as ballistic missile threat proliferates
Houthi Red Sea strikes kill first sailors, as ballistic missile threat proliferates

The range showed by Houthi missiles holds US bases at risk, and both China and Russia are watching closely to see what happens, experts say.

The deterrence problem: America took its eye off Iran with Indo-Pacific pivot, ex-CENTCOM chief says

The deterrence problem: America took its eye off Iran with Indo-Pacific pivot, ex-CENTCOM chief says
The deterrence problem: America took its eye off Iran with Indo-Pacific pivot, ex-CENTCOM chief says

As the US and Israel contend with multiple Iranian proxy groups in the Middle East, Joseph Votel told Breaking Defense the US must “hold [Iran] accountable.”

As US Navy bats down Red Sea ‘threats,’ analysts see years-old security problem

As US Navy bats down Red Sea ‘threats,’ analysts see years-old security problem
As US Navy bats down Red Sea ‘threats,’ analysts see years-old security problem

“The Houthi disruptive capability… is not a new phenomenon,” one expert told Breaking Defense.

The Israeli Gaza campaign: High expectations, big risks and bleak outcomes

The Israeli Gaza campaign: High expectations, big risks and bleak outcomes
The Israeli Gaza campaign: High expectations, big risks and bleak outcomes

Analysts say there are three overarching questions: Whether Israel’s goal of eliminating Hamas is realistic, whether another front in the war will explode, and what the long-term regional fallout from the operation could be.

In nuclear push, Saudi Arabia could play US, China off each other

In nuclear push, Saudi Arabia could play US, China off each other
In nuclear push, Saudi Arabia could play US, China off each other

Saudi Arabia is making a push for nuclear power as part of any US-brokered pact with Israel – and Riyadh won’t be shy about seeking what it wants.

Would US Marines on merchant ships be enough to deter Iran in the Gulf?

Would US Marines on merchant ships be enough to deter Iran in the Gulf?
Would US Marines on merchant ships be enough to deter Iran in the Gulf?

The threat from Iran helped drive the decision to send the USS Bataan Amphibious readiness Group and the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit to the region earlier this year.

Non-US firms are winning big deals in the Gulf. Can Washington reverse the trend?

Non-US firms are winning big deals in the Gulf. Can Washington reverse the trend?
Non-US firms are winning big deals in the Gulf. Can Washington reverse the trend?

The US remains the major player in the region, but there are reasons to be nervous about both Europe and South Korean firms moving in.

UK minister: Iran made ‘big mistake’ in giving drones to Russia for Ukraine war

UK minister: Iran made ‘big mistake’ in giving drones to Russia for Ukraine war
UK minister: Iran made ‘big mistake’ in giving drones to Russia for Ukraine war

With their deadly use, Iranian drones also reveal their weaknesses and Tehran may not get much in return, senior UK official says.

Lebanese, Israeli tensions over gas extraction at border raise strategic questions

Lebanese, Israeli tensions over gas extraction at border raise strategic questions
Lebanese, Israeli tensions over gas extraction at border raise strategic questions

“In the ongoing confrontations between Israel and Hezbollah/Iran, the former has achieved a tactical success, while the latter has gained a strategic one,” said Gawdat Bahgat of the National Defense University in Washington.

A Middle East NATO? A missile defense network with Israel? Major shifts brewing in region

A Middle East NATO? A missile defense network with Israel? Major shifts brewing in region
A Middle East NATO? A missile defense network with Israel? Major shifts brewing in region

After Israel announced cooperative defense with Arab nations, many questions remain unanswered.

NAVCENT head on why a new Red Sea task force was needed

NAVCENT head on why a new Red Sea task force was needed
NAVCENT head on why a new Red Sea task force was needed

In 2021, the US seized “three times the amount of weapons interdicted in 2020,” NAVCENT head Vice. Adm. Brad Cooper told Breaking Defense.

Defiant Ukrainian armor builder at Saudi trade show eager to go into battle

Defiant Ukrainian armor builder at Saudi trade show eager to go into battle
Defiant Ukrainian armor builder at Saudi trade show eager to go into battle

Ukranian firm Practika had three armored vehicles on display at the Saudi World Defense Show this week. When the show ends, they’ll head back to Ukraine – and the fight against Russia.

L3Harris in talks with Saudi Arabia over new spy plane, C-130 upgrades

L3Harris in talks with Saudi Arabia over new spy plane, C-130 upgrades
L3Harris in talks with Saudi Arabia over new spy plane, C-130 upgrades

“We like to think that there will be contracts [with Saudi Arabia] announced before the end of the year. But the acquisition process here goes through its own speed. It will be a direct commercial sale,” said Charles Davis, senior vice president at L3Harris International.

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.

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