Introduction

Saudi Arabia has not yet fully installed the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, but significant progress is being made towards its deployment:

Facts

Saudi Arabia has signed multiple Foreign Military Sales (FMS) cases with the United States for the delivery of seven THAAD batteries and supporting equipment.

The first four THAAD sites in Saudi Arabia are expected to be completed by the end of 2026, with all seven sites projected to be operational by April 2028.

Lockheed Martin agreement

In January 2024, Lockheed Martin signed an agreement to localize part of THAAD production in Saudi Arabia, including the manufacturing of transport and launch containers for missiles and launcher components.

The first company of Saudi military personnel has completed training on the THAAD system at Fort Bliss, Texas.

In September 2023, Raytheon delivered the first AN/TPY-2 missile defense radar for the THAAD system to Saudi Arabia.

Conclusion

While the THAAD system is not yet fully operational in Saudi Arabia, the country is actively working towards its implementation, with significant progress in training, infrastructure development, and localization efforts.