World · Middle East · 3 hrs ago
Saudi Arabia faces limits defending against repeated missile and drone attacks
Saudi Arabia has a large, advanced air-defence network, including Patriot systems, but recent attacks have shown its limits.
The attacks have involved missiles and drones, and 13 people were killed and 308 wounded when King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh was struck.
Experts say no defence system can guarantee it will stop repeated, simultaneous attacks from different types of weapons.
The Houthis’ arsenal includes manoeuvring ballistic missiles, which can be harder to intercept near their target.
The war has also used up large numbers of interceptors, putting pressure on US stocks and leaving Saudi Arabia needing to replenish its supplies.
Saudi Arabia is buying seven Thaad batteries, but experts say advanced systems and interceptors are not available in unlimited quantities.
The UK has provided its Sky Sabre system, though requests for further British support did not receive ministerial approval.
Saudi Arabia faces difficulty defending against repeated, simultaneous attacks involving ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones.
An attack on King Khalid International Airport killed 13 people and wounded 308, according to The National.
Experts say no existing air defence system can guarantee interception of such attacks, and Saudi Arabia’s interceptor stocks have been heavily used.
Saudi Arabia is buying seven Thaad batteries, while its defences also include Patriot and South Korean KM-SAM systems.
Saudi Arabia had requested additional defensive support from Britain, but the requests did not receive ministerial approval.
- Who
- Saudi Arabia is facing the attacks; the article attributes them to the Houthis and Iran.
- What
- The country is confronting repeated missile and drone attacks and limits in intercepting them.
- When
- The airport attack occurred on a Saturday; the date is not stated.
- Where
- Saudi Arabia, including King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
- Why
- Repeated, simultaneous attacks are difficult to stop, and extensive interceptor use has put pressure on available stocks.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The fundamental challenge is that no existing system, including those protecting the United States, can guarantee the interception of repeated, simultaneous attacks involving ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones.
But what is clear is that Thaad and Patriot are not available in quantity and we’re seeing leakage.
The generals have told Trump that ‘we haven’t got the rounds left’.
Saudi Arabia requested further defensive support from Britain, but the requests did not secure ministerial approval.
King Khalid International Airport was struck by what are thought to have been ballistic missiles, killing 13 people and wounding 308.
Extensive use of missile interceptors increased the need to replenish stocks, experts told The National.
- Airport deaths
- 13 people killed
- Airport injuries
- 308 people wounded
- Thaad procurement
- Seven batteries
- US Patriot stock
- An estimated 1,500 expended and about 800 left
- Saudi Patriot stock
- More than 1,800 interceptors before a large number were used
- Palestine-2 range
- About 2,000km
Sources
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