Saudi Arabia Expands Missile Production Facility, Satellite Imagery Reveals
New satellite analysis suggests Saudi Arabia is upgrading its missile plant to develop more powerful, longer-range ballistic weapons for regional defense.
POLICY WIRE — Washington, USA — Saudi Arabia appears to be scaling up its ballistic missile manufacturing capabilities, according to a new study based on over a year of commercial satellite imagery.
Two U.S. researchers who conducted the analysis suggest the infrastructure expansion at the facility is likely intended to support the production of larger solid-fuel missiles. These upgraded systems could potentially carry heavier payloads or achieve significantly longer flight ranges.
The development of more capable missile technology could bolster the kingdom’s military self-reliance and serve as a strategic deterrent against potential threats from Iran. While specific details regarding the nation’s current missile arsenal remain largely classified, the imagery provides fresh evidence of a quiet modernization effort within the Royal Saudi Strategic Missile Force.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
