Saudi Arabia Expands Ballistic Missile Production, Boosting Regional Deterrence
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Saudi Arabia is expanding its ballistic missile production, with new facilities expected to be operational by the end of 2026. Satellite imagery reveals significant construction at the Al-Duwadimi complex, suggesting the production of longer-range, more powerful solid-fuel missiles. This development aims to enhance Saudi deterrence against Iran and its proxies, though it may also fuel a regional arms race and complicate nuclear talks with the U.S.
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- Saudi Arabia is expanding its ballistic missile production, with new facilities expected by the end of 2026.
- Satellite imagery shows significant construction at the Al-Duwadimi complex, indicating larger missile production.
- New missiles could allow strikes on Iran without using air power and bolster deterrence against Houthis.
- The expansion may lead to a regional arms race and complicate nuclear cooperation talks with the U.S.
- Solid-fuel missiles offer advantages in storage and rapid deployment compared to liquid-fuel systems.
Saudi Arabia is significantly expanding its ballistic missile production capabilities, with new facilities expected to be operational by the end of 2026. These advancements could enable the Kingdom to strike targets at greater distances with more powerful warheads, potentially allowing strikes on Iran without relying on air power. The expansion of the Al-Duwadimi missile complex, located approximately 200 kilometers west of Riyadh, was identified by American researchers analyzing satellite imagery from April 2025 to September 2026. The complex shows evidence of new buildings, including one at least twice the size of existing structures, suggesting preparation for producing larger, solid-fuel rocket engines and potentially more potent weaponry. Researchers observed deep technological shafts and protective walls around the new construction, indicating a focus on safety and advanced manufacturing. The development may lead to Saudi Arabia producing longer-range missiles, possibly analogous to China's DF-21, and could leverage existing capabilities based on the DF-15. This move strengthens Saudi Arabia's ability to counter Iranian threats, including missile and drone attacks, and bolster its position against Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen. The shift to solid-fuel missiles offers advantages in storage and rapid deployment compared to liquid-fuel systems. However, this expansion could trigger a regional arms race, involving nations like the UAE and Turkey, and potentially complicate nuclear cooperation talks with the United States, despite Saudi denials of pursuing nuclear weapons.