Saudi Arabia Activates THAAD Missile Defense After Iran’s Strike on U.S. Base — Is a New Attack Coming?

The war between Iran and Israel is now reaching the Gulf countries. After the attack on the airbase in Qatar, Saudi Arabia also fears that it may be targeted by a missile. Saudi Arabia has activated the American THAAD missile defence system as a result. This has been confirmed by the Saudi Ministry of Defence itself.

A ceasefire has been declared in the 12-day-long war between Iran and Israel in the Middle East, but neighbouring countries of both nations, including Gulf countries, remain fearful. This is primarily because the United States had also become involved in this war. In response, Iran fired missiles at the American airbase in Qatar. This is also believed to be the reason behind activating the THAAD system in Saudi Arabia. In fact, Gulf countries like Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia host American airbases. Moreover, Saudi Arabia has a long-standing conflict with Iran, which adds to the fear of a potential attack.

THAAD Capable of Intercepting Ballistic Missiles

American THAAD missile defence systems have been activated in Saudi Arabia, according to the country's defence ministry. The Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system, manufactured in the United States, has been put into place to intercept ballistic missiles with short and medium ranges, according to Mehr News Agency. Following a training session held in Saudi Arabia, the activation took place during a ceremony at the Air Defence Force Research Centre in Jeddah Province.

Efforts to Strengthen Air Defence Capabilities

The goal of this action, according to the Saudi Ministry of Defence, is to safeguard the nation's key sectors and improve air defence capabilities. In the meantime, Israel also uses the THAAD system to protect itself from retaliatory attacks from Yemen and Iran, according to an article in the American magazine. Additionally, it also disclosed that the United States' recent efforts to defend Tel Aviv from a barrage of missile attacks have depleted about 20% of its THAAD missile inventory.