http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/ en-us https://specials-images.forbesimg.comhttps://www.forbes.com/imageserve/5ef723daaccb250006e7b9ae/400x0.jpg?cropX1=0&cropX2=680&cropY1=8&cropY2=688 http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/ Paul Iddon's stories. Copyright 2024 Forbes Media LLC http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/2024/06/11/israel-could-become-a-leading-air-launched-ballistic-missile-exporter/ Israeli arms manufacturers have developed an assortment of similar missiles in recent years. Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/ content_66683f69da704e28a46a1d96 Tue, 11 Jun 2024 12:40:26 -0400 2024-06-12T03:46:16-04:00 Israeli arms manufacturers have developed an assortment of similar missiles in recent years. Israel Aerospace Industries Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense Business /business Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/2024/06/03/why-saudi-arabia-never-acquired-the-f-16/ The history behind Riyadh’s choice of acquiring F-15s in the late 1970s, and why it never acquired any F-16s back then or in the intervening decades, is interesting. Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/ content_665cbef8305c29228e06895d Mon, 03 Jun 2024 08:22:39 -0400 2024-06-06T09:23:39-04:00 The history behind Riyadh’s choice of acquiring F-15s in the late 1970s, and why it never acquired any F-16s back then or in the intervening decades, is interesting. Getty Images Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense Business /business Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/2024/05/29/the-weapon-saudi-arabia-might-buy-if-it-secures-defense-pact-with-us/ 'There is a definite air of gamesmanship in the Biden administration approach to this issue.' Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/ content_66572785fb95af2f89a20037 Wed, 29 May 2024 09:41:30 -0400 2024-06-04T02:16:57-04:00 'There is a definite air of gamesmanship in the Biden administration approach to this issue.' AFP via Getty Images Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense Business /business Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/2024/05/23/iran-may-unwittingly-boost-turkish-drone-and-american-missile-sales/ If Iran’s April 13-14 attack ultimately convinces regional states of proof of concept for this project, that would mark another instance of Tehran’s actions backfiring. Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/ content_664f7fb0d9b5426e6f63798c Thu, 23 May 2024 13:59:33 -0400 2024-06-04T01:32:42-04:00 If Iran’s April 13-14 attack ultimately convinces regional states of proof of concept for this project, that would mark another instance of Tehran’s actions backfiring. Anadolu via Getty Images Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense Business /business Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/2024/05/21/raisis-sudden-helicopter-death-puts-spotlight-on-irans-antiquated-aviation/ Raisi’s sudden and unexpected death is a striking reminder of how unpopular politics and unbelievable incompetence has all but doomed Iran’s military and utility aircraft fleet. Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/ content_664cbbfb0b90cd5fc415c981 Tue, 21 May 2024 13:21:02 -0400 2024-06-04T01:27:55-04:00 Raisi’s sudden and unexpected death is a striking reminder of how unpopular politics and unbelievable incompetence has all but doomed Iran’s military and utility aircraft fleet. IRNA/AFP via Getty Images Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense Business /business Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/2024/05/14/saudi-arabia-diversifying-air-defenses-and-boosting-local-industries/ Once it receives its THAAD and KM-SAMs, Saudi Arabia will possess three capable anti-ballistic systems instead of one from two suppliers rather than one. Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/ content_662e31883a0aa2219ae688ef Tue, 14 May 2024 08:00:57 -0400 2024-06-03T08:27:00-04:00 Once it receives its THAAD and KM-SAMs, Saudi Arabia will possess three capable anti-ballistic systems instead of one from two suppliers rather than one. POOL/AFP via Getty Images Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense Business /business Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/2024/05/10/why-israel-has-always-been-skeptical-about-the-value-of-defensive-weapons/ A substantial number of Israelis continue to feel hamstrung by their state-of-the-art defensive weaponry rather than reassured and secure. Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/ content_663e1e220d434647c337aebc Fri, 10 May 2024 10:03:26 -0400 2024-06-03T08:16:31-04:00 A substantial number of Israelis continue to feel hamstrung by their state-of-the-art defensive weaponry rather than reassured and secure. Anadolu via Getty Images Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense Business /business Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/2024/05/07/kurdistan-needs-air-defenses-for-critical-gas-field-iraq-may-have-a-solution/ Iraq may have the systems required to protect against similar attacks in the future but may not have the political will to deploy them. Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/ content_6639fe4a5468e876b5bca48e Tue, 07 May 2024 08:09:23 -0400 2024-05-08T14:07:00-04:00 Iraq may have the systems required to protect against similar attacks in the future but may not have the political will to deploy them. China News Service via Getty Images Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense Business /business Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/2024/05/05/greece-and-turkey-are-adamant-about-retaining-their-russian-missiles/ Continued possession of such advanced Russian missiles by two NATO members that were never in the Warsaw Pact is indeed peculiar. Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/ content_6637b3ecfdb516267f6ace5d Sun, 05 May 2024 12:43:27 -0400 2024-05-08T14:07:21-04:00 Continued possession of such advanced Russian missiles by two NATO members that were never in the Warsaw Pact is indeed peculiar. AFP via Getty Images Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense Business /business Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/2024/05/01/israels-iran-strike-bore-some-similarities-to-tehrans-2019-saudi-arabia-attack/ Tehran likely understood this message because it sent a similar one five years ago against another regional rival. Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/ content_662e63c85244c128115b5384 Wed, 01 May 2024 08:00:00 -0400 2024-05-08T14:07:28-04:00 Tehran likely understood this message because it sent a similar one five years ago against another regional rival. AFP via Getty Images Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense Business /business Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/2024/04/29/iran-unveils-mysterious-loitering-munition-resembling-russias-lancet-but-that-doesnt-mean-moscow-is-sharing-its-drone-technology-with-tehran/ The drone isn’t identical to the Lancet but seems to share a similar basic design and most likely has a comparable range and payload. Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/ content_662f6bb5ec259256c4fac5cb Mon, 29 Apr 2024 06:18:58 -0400 2024-05-09T12:34:17-04:00 The drone isn’t identical to the Lancet but seems to share a similar basic design and most likely has a comparable range and payload. Russian Ministry of Defense Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense Business /business Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/2024/04/20/iran-might-receive-its-first-su-35-flanker-fighters-from-russia-next-week/ A delivery in this timeframe could prove highly significant since it coincides with the highest tensions between Israel and the Islamic Republic since the latter’s inception. Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/ content_6623bc8e5c347e2f2316db3f Sat, 20 Apr 2024 09:09:33 -0400 2024-05-08T14:07:09-04:00 A delivery in this timeframe could prove highly significant since it coincides with the highest tensions between Israel and the Islamic Republic since the latter’s inception. Anadolu via Getty Images Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense Business /business Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/2024/04/19/israels-attack-on-iran-doesnt-look-unprecedented/ If the reports are accurate, the attack does not seem significant or unprecedented. Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/ content_6621f6da0b51791d42b6053a Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:53:41 -0400 2024-05-08T14:07:14-04:00 If the reports are accurate, the attack does not seem significant or unprecedented. Anadolu via Getty Images Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense Business /business Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/2024/04/16/us-patriot-missile-defense-system-in-iraqi-kurdistan-is-well-placed/ Placing the system in the autonomous region has several benefits for both the United States and its longstanding Kurdish ally. Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/ content_661eb2fb0bc427495cad10dd Tue, 16 Apr 2024 14:48:39 -0400 2024-04-17T03:58:09-04:00 Placing the system in the autonomous region has several benefits for both the United States and its longstanding Kurdish ally. Getty Images Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense Business /business Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/2024/04/14/an-israeli-strike-on-iran-wouldnt-be-first-time-israel-attacked-iranian-soil/ It’s worth bearing in mind that an Israeli attack on Iran wouldn’t be the first time that ever happened or even the first time in this decade. Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/ content_661bdb4ad7ea4d602bf4f5ea Sun, 14 Apr 2024 10:22:49 -0400 2024-05-08T14:07:10-04:00 It’s worth bearing in mind that an Israeli attack on Iran wouldn’t be the first time that ever happened or even the first time in this decade. Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense Business /business Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/2024/04/13/israels-air-defenses-have-hugely-improved-since-it-last-came-under-attack-with-ballistic-missiles/ If Iran does attack Israel with ballistic missiles, many won’t make it to their targets, given the advanced Israeli interceptors they will have to evade or overwhelm. Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/ content_661a96c71233c97db1cc0599 Sat, 13 Apr 2024 10:38:09 -0400 2024-04-15T03:30:17-04:00 If Iran does attack Israel with ballistic missiles, many won’t make it to their targets, given the advanced Israeli interceptors they will have to evade or overwhelm. AFP via Getty Images Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense Business /business Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/2024/04/11/israeli-and-turkish-airstrikes-are-killing-and-injuring-syrian-soldiers/ Israeli airstrikes have killed significant numbers of Syrian soldiers since Israel intensified its air campaign against Iran in Syria last October. Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/ content_661682713942c2446583a59c Thu, 11 Apr 2024 09:00:11 -0400 2024-04-15T03:21:20-04:00 Israeli airstrikes have killed significant numbers of Syrian soldiers since Israel intensified its air campaign against Iran in Syria last October. AFP via Getty Images Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense Business /business Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/2024/04/02/iraqi-militias-are-firing-at-israel-but-israel-probably-wont-retaliate-with-strikes-inside-iraq/ 'These are like pinpricks, and Israel has bigger things to worry about.' Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/ content_660c5661a252f5605e206f43 Tue, 02 Apr 2024 15:37:02 -0400 2024-05-08T14:07:31-04:00 'These are like pinpricks, and Israel has bigger things to worry about.' AFP via Getty Images Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense Business /business Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/2024/04/01/bahrain-is-the-latest-arab-gulf-state-to-buy-modern-western-tanks/ Western-built tanks are predominant in the armor arsenals of the Arab Gulf states and will likely remain so for many more years and even decades. Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/ content_6606e428e87b9c39e48f8238 Mon, 01 Apr 2024 09:22:58 -0400 2024-04-02T03:39:05-04:00 Western-built tanks are predominant in the armor arsenals of the Arab Gulf states and will likely remain so for many more years and even decades. Xinhua News Agency via Getty Images Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense Business /business Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/2024/03/29/greece-is-putting-its-older-f-16s-and-mirage-2000s-up-for-sale-but-will-any-country-buy-them/ 'We are not well-informed about the current technical status of planes, the specific type of Mirage 2000s Greece will finally sell, maintenance costs, and costs for future technological advancement' Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/ content_66069394f55e053f8c66cc84 Fri, 29 Mar 2024 09:00:27 -0400 2024-03-30T03:36:46-04:00 'We are not well-informed about the current technical status of planes, the specific type of Mirage 2000s Greece will finally sell, maintenance costs, and costs for future technological advancement' AFP via Getty Images Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense Business /business Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/2024/03/26/germany-blocked-a-eurofighter-sale-to-saudi-arabia-then-lifted-it-will-berlin-do-the-same-with-turkey/ 'The potential exodus of refugees from the Middle East, including from Gaza, could be another factor that could soften Germany’s position against Ankara' Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/ content_6601dce58b21f627151b4a62 Tue, 26 Mar 2024 16:01:38 -0400 2024-03-27T04:00:13-04:00 'The potential exodus of refugees from the Middle East, including from Gaza, could be another factor that could soften Germany’s position against Ankara' AFP via Getty Images Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense Business /business Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/2024/03/25/iraq-is-shopping-around-for-air-defenses-south-korea-might-have-exactly-what-baghdad-is-looking-for/ While it’s unclear where Baghdad will ultimately acquire these systems, South Korea may prove preferable for several reasons. Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/ content_66019be722b92b06e3dba75d Mon, 25 Mar 2024 11:53:44 -0400 2024-04-01T04:23:56-04:00 While it’s unclear where Baghdad will ultimately acquire these systems, South Korea may prove preferable for several reasons. SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense Business /business Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/2024/03/20/houthis-not-only-iran-backed-group-with-cruise-missiles-that-can-reach-israel/ 'Hamas and pro-Tehran Iraqi militias are now in advanced stages of producing most of their weaponry locally.' Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/ content_65fb22162e6e0945da58f794 Wed, 20 Mar 2024 14:21:36 -0400 2024-05-08T14:07:01-04:00 'Hamas and pro-Tehran Iraqi militias are now in advanced stages of producing most of their weaponry locally.' AFP via Getty Images Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense Business /business Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/2024/03/19/unlike-iran-pakistan-uses-fighter-jets-to-strike-its-enemies/ While Tehran expects to receive Russian Su-35 Flankers in the near future, Pakistan has already acquired comparable modern fighters. Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/ content_65f9bbd6b3cdd86271e6ae46 Tue, 19 Mar 2024 12:37:22 -0400 2024-05-08T14:07:01-04:00 While Tehran expects to receive Russian Su-35 Flankers in the near future, Pakistan has already acquired comparable modern fighters. AFP via Getty Images Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense Business /business Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense standard http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/2024/02/22/azerbaijan-criticizes-armenias-military-acquisitions-as-baku-bolsters-armed-forces-with-sophisticated-turkish-akinci-drones/ The Akinci is the most advanced drone Azerbaijan has procured to date and is another testament to the close military ties between Baku and Ankara. Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor Paul Iddon, Senior Contributor http://rgsystems.gr/?fat=sites/pauliddon/ content_65d4dc582e89d27405ecc812 Thu, 22 Feb 2024 07:02:28 -0500 2024-06-03T06:58:01-04:00 The Akinci is the most advanced drone Azerbaijan has procured to date and is another testament to the close military ties between Baku and Ankara. Anadolu via Getty Images Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense Business /business Aerospace & Defense /aerospace-defense standard