The Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces have graduated a third unit trained to operate the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, a key component of the country’s air defenses. The training took place at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, and involved operation and maintenance crews learning to use one of the world’s most advanced missile defense technologies.
Graduates completed a range of specialized programs, including technical and operational training, combat simulations, and advanced field exercises. The training was supervised by experts from the system’s manufacturer and conducted in cooperation with the US military, aligning with a joint defense agreement.
This training program is part of the Saudi Ministry of Defense’s strategy to enhance military capabilities and improve combat readiness, in line with Saudi Vision 2030. The Kingdom introduced its first THAAD battery at a ceremony in Jeddah in July.
Understanding the THAAD System
US-built THAAD systems are designed to intercept short, medium, and intermediate-range missiles both inside and outside the Earth’s atmosphere. According to the US Congress website, a typical THAAD battery consists of 90 soldiers, six truck-mounted launchers, 48 interceptors, and associated radar and communications units.
Localizing Defense Manufacturing
As part of its Vision 2030 goals to localize defense manufacturing, Saudi Arabia successfully manufactured parts for the THAAD system for the first time earlier this year. This achievement followed two contracts signed at the 2024 World Defense Show in Riyadh. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to localize key THAAD components and build on previous initiatives, which included producing missile containers and launch platforms.
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