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Is Saudi Arabia expanding its ballistic missile programme?
Satellite imagery analysed by US researchers suggests Saudi Arabia is expanding a missile plant in al-Duwadimi, Riyadh Province, to produce larger solid-fuel ballistic missiles. The reported development comes as Houthi attacks on Saudi cities, airports and energy infrastructure have intensified, raising the strategic importance of the kingdom’s missile arsenal.
Saudi Arabia has reportedly worked with China on ballistic missiles for decades and began domestic production with Chinese assistance in 2021. Its arsenal has included Chinese DF-3 and DF-21 missiles, while debris found in Yemen in September suggested a DF-15A may have been used in combat for the first time. Analysts say local production could give Riyadh greater control over long-range strike capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.
In short
- Satellite imagery points to an expansion of Saudi missile production.
- The facility may support larger, longer-range solid-fuel missiles.
- Analysts link the move to self-sufficiency and regional tensions.
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The case for
Expanding domestic missile production could help Saudi Arabia deter attacks and respond to threats from the Houthis, while reducing reliance on foreign suppliers for a capability it considers important to national security. Supporters could argue that local control improves supply resilience and gives Riyadh more say over how its arsenal is maintained and used.
The case against
A larger domestic missile programme could deepen regional insecurity by encouraging neighbouring states to expand their own arsenals and making miscalculation more dangerous. Critics could also argue that increasing long-range strike capacity risks intensifying the conflict and that security would be better served through restraint and diplomatic efforts.
Explained simply
Ballistic missiles are weapons that travel high above the atmosphere before descending towards a target. Solid-fuel missiles can be stored ready for use and launched more quickly than many liquid-fuel types.
Saudi Arabia has bought missiles from China for decades, including DF-3 and DF-21 models, and has worked with Chinese support to make missiles at home. Domestic production could give the kingdom more control over its supplies and reduce its reliance on other countries.
The programme matters because Saudi Arabia faces attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement on cities and important infrastructure. A larger missile capability could affect the kingdom’s ability to deter or respond to threats, and the wider security balance in the region.