Saudi Arabia expands missile plant for longer-range weapons — SkimNews
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- Saudi Arabia is expanding its al-Duwadimi missile complex with new buildings that likely house casting pits for solid-fuel missile motors, based on satellite imagery analyzed by U.S. researchers.
- Sam Lair and Michael Duitsman of the Foreign Policy Research Institute assessed that the new casting-pit building is at least twice the size of the existing one and features blast-diverting walls, indicating production of larger missiles.
- Planet Labs satellite images from April 2025 to September 2026 show construction progress, including uncovered deep pits in December 2025 and partial roofing by September 2026, with missile production possible by year’s end.
- Sascha Bruchmann of the International Institute for Strategic Studies said longer-range Saudi missiles could allow strikes on Iran without risking U.S.-made F-15 fighters, closing a capability gap with Tehran.
- Decker Eveleth of CNA noted the al-Duwadimi expansion reflects a broader regional trend, with similar missile development underway in the UAE and Turkey.
- Janes reviewed the FPRI analysis and concluded the new buildings may support expanded production or the development of longer-range missiles.
- The U.S. Congress may see increased opposition to a civilian nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia, as the missile expansion fuels concerns over proliferation and regional arms competition.
Why it matters: Saudi Arabia’s move to produce longer-range solid-fuel missiles could shift the regional balance of power by enabling direct deterrence against Iran, while complicating U.S. efforts to finalize a nuclear cooperation deal due to bipartisan proliferation concerns tied to the kingdom’s expanding military infrastructure.
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