🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia has officially deployed its first THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) missile battery following months of training and system integration. The milestone comes as part of a $15 billion U.S.-Saudi defense deal signed during Donald Trump’s first term.
The full agreement includes:
• 7 THAAD batteries
• 44 mobile launchers
• 360 interceptors
• 16 fire control and communication units
• 7 AN/TPY-2 radar systems
This move marks a strategic upgrade in Riyadh’s air and missile defense capability, especially amid regional threats from Iran and Yemen’s Houthi forces. THAAD provides a layered defense solution capable of intercepting short to intermediate-range ballistic missiles during their terminal phase, boosting Saudi Arabia’s role in regional missile defense architecture.
The deployment reflects growing U.S.-Gulf security cooperation, as well as Riyadh’s intent to modernize its forces and counter evolving aerial threats.
