Latest news with #RoyalSaudiAirDefenseForces
News18
21 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
Saudi Arabia Activates First THAAD Missile Killer, Iran "Fully Prepared" to Counter Israel-US
Last Updated: Crux Videos Saudi Arabia has announced the activation of the first US-made Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) air defence system and the operational readiness of its first associated unit. Saudi Arabia's Defence Ministry said that the system was inaugurated after it was tested within the Kingdom's territories. 'The Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces inaugurated the first unit of the THAAD air defense missile system after completing testing, inspection, and operation of its systems, and conducting collective field training for its personnel within the Kingdom', the defence ministry in Riyadh said in a statement. The Saudi defence ministry stated that the move aims to strengthen the country's air defence capabilities and protect its strategic areas. The battery was reportedly purchased in a $15 billion deal with US President Donald Trump during his first term. The deal included an additional six THAAD batteries, 44 launchers, and 360 interceptors, as per reports. n18oc_world n18oc_crux0:00 INTRODUCTION2:48 WHY SAUDI NEEDS THAAD?5:30 US DEPLETES 20% OF ITS THAAD INTERCEPTORS: REPORT7:34 IRAN READY TO COUNTER ISRAEL WITH 'ALL ITS MIGHT' Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! More from world Zohran Mamdani Blasts "Desperate" Trump, Cites Reason Why The President Wants To 'Arrest' Him | 4K Telangana Factory Blast: Death Toll Climbs- Negligence Or Systemic Failure? | Brass Tacks Russia Makes Battlefield Gains Across Ukraine, Summer Of 2025 Proves To Be Putin's Second Wind? | 4K China Slams Hegseth's "Hegemonic Mindset" Says US "Inciting Conflict", Urges EU to "Foster..." | 4K home videos Saudi Arabia Activates First THAAD Missile Killer, Iran "Fully Prepared" to Counter Israel-US | 4k trending news Illegal Dairies, Shanties Removed From Defence Land Valued At Rs 165 Crore In Delhi Cantonment Srikanth enters quarterfinals of Canada Open Super 300 British aviation team to land in Kerala to repair stranded F-35B fighter jet Merger of schools: HC asks UP govt to justify move with full facts on Friday latest news
Miami Herald
21 hours ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Key Trump Ally Bolsters Missile Defense as Iran Threatens
Saudi Arabia has announced the deployment of its first Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery and the operational readiness of its first associated unit, its Defense Ministry said. Saudi Arabia, a key U.S. partner, is strengthening missile defense capabilities amid escalating regional threats, particularly missile attacks from Iran and proxy groups such as the Yemeni Houthis. This step highlights Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 commitment to boosting domestic defense manufacturing, supported by U.S. firms to transfer technology and build regional capabilities. Saudi Arabia has officially activated its first THAAD missile unit, following successful system tests and troop training, the ministry said. Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces commander handed the unit's flag to the commander of the 1st Air Defense Group in a launch ceremony that took place at the Air Defense Forces Institute in Jeddah, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Saudi Arabia began deploying its first THAAD missile system in February, according to an analysis by the open-source intelligence company Janes of footage from a graduation ceremony at the Air Defense Forces Institute. The event marked the graduation of the first Saudi THAAD operators, who completed their training at Fort Bliss, Texas, in November. Arabian International Co. for Steel Structures, a Saudi company in Jeddah, was awarded a subcontract by Lockheed Martin last year to manufacture key THAAD components. In May, Saudi Arabia completed its first domestically produced parts of the missile launcher, Arab News reported. The missile system at Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar intercepted ballistic missiles launched from Iran during the June conflict involving the U.S. and Israel, with the latter also benefiting from the THAAD system to intercept incoming ballistic missiles in Iranian retaliatory attacks. Saudi Arabia's Defense Ministry wrote on X, in Arabic: "The Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces inaugurated the first unit of the THAAD air defense missile system after completing testing, inspection, and operation of its systems, and conducting collective field training for its personnel within the Kingdom." Joseph Rank, the vice president and CEO of Lockheed Martin for Saudi Arabia and Africa, told Arab News in May: "We used to build things here. Now we're actually manufacturing things here. So the big opportunity is manufacturing, co-production, co-development and transfer of technology. This is jobs for Lockheed Martin in the U.S. and jobs for Saudi industry here. A win-win-win." As concerns over renewed military escalation with Iran grow, Gulf states are deepening cooperation with the U.S. and urging diplomatic efforts to avoid a wider regional conflict. Related Articles Donald Trump's Properties Are Doing Better Than EverHow to Watch Mexico vs. Saudi Arabia: Live Stream Gold Cup Quarterfinals, TV ChannelTrump's Best Friends in the Middle East Emerge as Israel-Iran War WinnersHow to Watch Saudi Arabia vs Trinidad & Tobago: Live Stream CONCACAF Gold Cup, TV Channel 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
a day ago
- Newsweek
Key Trump Ally Bolsters Missile Defense as Iran Threatens
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Saudi Arabia has announced the deployment of its first Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery and the operational readiness of its first associated unit, its Defense Ministry said. Why It Matters Saudi Arabia, a key U.S. partner, is strengthening missile defense capabilities amid escalating regional threats, particularly missile attacks from Iran and proxy groups such as the Yemeni Houthis. This step highlights Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 commitment to boosting domestic defense manufacturing, supported by U.S. firms to transfer technology and build regional capabilities. Echo Battery and Task Force Talon on July 19, 2024, standing ready to protect and defend the U.S. territory of Guam and the United States at a moment's notice. Echo Battery and Task Force Talon on July 19, 2024, standing ready to protect and defend the U.S. territory of Guam and the United States at a moment's notice. Lt. Vincent Antoniello/U.S. Army/DVIDS What To Know Saudi Arabia has officially activated its first THAAD missile unit, following successful system tests and troop training, the ministry said. Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces commander handed the unit's flag to the commander of the 1st Air Defense Group in a launch ceremony that took place at the Air Defense Forces Institute in Jeddah, the Saudi Press Agency reported. قوات #الدفاع_الجوي تُدشّن أول سرية من نظام الدفاع الجوي الصاروخي «الثاد» بعد استكمال اختبار وفحص وتشغيل منظوماتها، وتنفيذ التدريب الجماعي الميداني لمنسوبيها داخل أراضي المملكة. — وزارة الدفاع (@modgovksa) July 2, 2025 Saudi Arabia began deploying its first THAAD missile system in February, according to an analysis by the open-source intelligence company Janes of footage from a graduation ceremony at the Air Defense Forces Institute. The event marked the graduation of the first Saudi THAAD operators, who completed their training at Fort Bliss, Texas, in November. Arabian International Co. for Steel Structures, a Saudi company in Jeddah, was awarded a subcontract by Lockheed Martin last year to manufacture key THAAD components. In May, Saudi Arabia completed its first domestically produced parts of the missile launcher, Arab News reported. The missile system at Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar intercepted ballistic missiles launched from Iran during the June conflict involving the U.S. and Israel, with the latter also benefiting from the THAAD system to intercept incoming ballistic missiles in Iranian retaliatory attacks. What People Are Saying Saudi Arabia's Defense Ministry wrote on X, in Arabic: "The Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces inaugurated the first unit of the THAAD air defense missile system after completing testing, inspection, and operation of its systems, and conducting collective field training for its personnel within the Kingdom." Joseph Rank, the vice president and CEO of Lockheed Martin for Saudi Arabia and Africa, told Arab News in May: "We used to build things here. Now we're actually manufacturing things here. So the big opportunity is manufacturing, co-production, co-development and transfer of technology. This is jobs for Lockheed Martin in the U.S. and jobs for Saudi industry here. A win-win-win." What Happens Next As concerns over renewed military escalation with Iran grow, Gulf states are deepening cooperation with the U.S. and urging diplomatic efforts to avoid a wider regional conflict.
Zawya
a day ago
- General
- Zawya
Saudi Royal Air Defense Force commissions first THAAD missile defense unit
JEDDAH — The Saudi Royal Air Defense Force officially inaugurated the first unit of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile system during a ceremony held at the Air Defense Forces Institute in Jeddah, the Ministry of Defense announced. The unit was commissioned into service following the successful completion of system testing, evaluation, and field training of personnel within the Kingdom. The ceremony was attended by Lt. Gen. Mazyad bAl-Amro, Commander of the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces, who formally handed over the unit's flag to the commander of the 1st Air Defense Group, marking its operational readiness. The deployment of the first THAAD battery is part of a broader defense project aimed at boosting the Kingdom's air defense capabilities and ensuring the protection of vital strategic infrastructure and national interests. Previously, the Air Defense Forces had graduated personnel for the first and second THAAD units after they completed specialized training courses at Fort Bliss in the U.S. state of Texas. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Leaders
2 days ago
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia Launches First THAAD Missile Defense Unit
The Saudi Royal Air Defense Forces (RSADF) have officially inaugurated the first unit of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), the Saudi Defense Ministry said in a statement. In a ceremony held at the Air Defense Forces Institute in Jeddah on Wednesday, the Saudi Royal Air Defense Forces commissioned the THAAD unit into service after successfully completing system testing, inspection and activation, as well as conducting collective field training for its personnel within Saudi Arabia. The Commander of the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces, Lt. Gen. Mazyad Al-Amro, attended the ceremony, during which he handed the unit's flag to the commander of the 1st Air Defense Group, marking its official entry into service as part of the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces' systems. The deployment of this unit is part of the THAAD Defense Project, designed to boost the readiness of the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces and enhance their defense capabilities, ensuring the protection of the Kingdom's vital infrastructure and strategic interests. In April 2025, Saudi Arabia celebrated the graduation of its second batch of THAAD-trained personnel at Fort Bliss, Texas, marking a major milestone in bolstering the Kingdom's defense capabilities. The first batch graduated in November 2024. Saudi Arabia plans to deploy seven THAAD batteries by 2028, further fortifying airspace security and countering threats through hit-to-kill technology. The Kingdom is also localizing THAAD components, with the first domestically manufactured components for the THAAD missile defense system launcher completed in Jeddah in May 2025, in partnership with Lockheed Martin. Short link : Post Views: 15
