Saudi Arabia has launched its own “missile program”, which is being implemented with the support of China, learned Bulgarian Military.com, citing the Defense Express.
This is evidenced in particular by satellite images, which show that Saudi Arabia has begun to build appropriate infrastructure for the production and testing of missiles in the desert area.
According to the authors of the Polish portal Defense24, the Royal Strategic Missile Forces of Saudi Arabia have up to 12 launchers and up to 120 Chinese-made DF-3 ballistic missiles in “export” modification with a range of up to 2,800 kilometers. These missiles were out of the Saudi Army that replaced them with the Chinese missiles DF-21 with a range of up to 2,100 kilometers.
The delivery of these missiles took place in the 80s and 2010s of the last century in complete secrecy.
DONGFENG DF-21D
In the current situation, Saudi Arabia needs ballistic missiles to counter Iran and Yemen, which are actively using ballistic missiles to attack Saudi energy facilities and other infrastructure.
Riyadh, for its part, has dared to ask Beijing for help because it feels a certain “security vacuum” from the White House as a “traditional” ally of Saudi Arabia. As we announced earlier, the United States secretly “delayed” the delivery of additional missiles to Saudi Arabia for Patriot SAM and AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles for F-15 fighters to shoot down missiles and “kamikaze drones” of the Hussites.
That is why Riyadh has decided to rely on “weapons of revenge”, ie. – to develop its ballistic missiles to hit targets in Iran. And in this situation, China’s choice as a major partner in Saudi Arabia’s “missile program” seems quite natural.
Saudis and Koreans will make an air defense system
As we reported in February this year, Saudi Arabia and South Korea begin joint production of the Biho II mobile air defense system.
BIHO II ADS
Hanwha Defense is a South Korean company that will produce the air defense system. Saudi Arabia’s Science Technology is the Arab company that will defend Saudi Arabia’s image in the project.
According to preliminary information, the new mobile air defense system will have a turret and 30-millimeter cannon, and four surface-to-air missiles.
In recent years, the Arab company has gradually established itself in international defense markets by building various partnerships. These actions have allowed Science Technology to transfer know-how and technology from countries like the United States, Ukraine, and South Korea. The company is also one of the participants in the state investment program Vision 2030.
Riyadh is also developing an unmanned bomber
Saudi Arabia intends to develop its version of an unmanned heavy bomber. The executor of the project will again be the Arab company Science Technology. The project is already underway, and Science Technology revealed details at the ongoing defense exhibition in Abu Dhabi – Index 2021.
According to the company, the new drone must perform several activities, including support for attack missions, search, rescue, and surveillance. It is not ruled out, the company says, that the bomber will also support the navy by conducting patrols and coast guards.
Science Technology claims that the future Arab drone will be competitive in international markets, as its price will not be high. So far, however, the company has not disclosed details about the characteristics of its future product.