The Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces recently graduated their third unit trained to operate the THAAD system, following weeks of specialized instruction at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas.
The training regimen included intensive technical and operational modules, combat simulations, and advanced field exercises, all conducted under expert supervision and in collaboration with the U.S. military.
This accomplishment is part of the broader Saudi–U.S. defense cooperation framework designed to enhance Saudi Arabia’s military readiness and technical capabilities.
This milestone also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals for military modernization and localization of defense technology.
Earlier this year, in July, the Kingdom commissioned its first THAAD battery in Jeddah—bolstering its strategic air defense infrastructure.
The THAAD system is among the most advanced missile defense technologies globally, capable of intercepting short-range (up to 1,000 km), medium-range (1,000–3,000 km), and intermediate-range (up to 5,000 km) ballistic missiles within or outside the atmosphere, providing a robust shield over vital infrastructure and strategic assets.
