Is Saudi Arabia expanding its ballistic missile programme?

Saudi Arabia is believed to be expanding a plant associated with its Chinese-designed ballistic missile programme as attacks by Yemen’s Houthi forces intensify. The reported expansion could enable the kingdom to build larger missiles with heavier payloads and longer range, amid renewed conflict that has heightened the strategic importance of its arsenal.

Satellite imagery analysed by American researchers points to construction at the al-Duwadimi missile plant in Riyadh Province. Fighting between Saudi Arabia and the Iran-aligned Houthis has escalated since July, breaking a UN-brokered truce that had largely held since 2022; the Houthis have attacked Saudi cities, airports and energy infrastructure, citing what they call a Saudi blockade of ports and airports in areas they control.