Saudi Royal Air Defense Forces Launch First THAAD Missile Defense Unit

The Saudi Royal Air Defense Force officially inaugurated the first unit of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile system, following the successful completion of system testing, evaluation, and field training of personnel within Saudi Arabia. The launch ceremony was held at the Air Defense Forces Institute in Jeddah.

 During the event, the commander of the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces handed over the unit’s flag to the commander of the 1st Air Defense Group, marking the unit's operational readiness.

 The deployment of the first THAAD battery is part of a broader defense project aimed at boosting the Kingdom’s air defense capabilities and ensuring the protection of vital strategic infrastructure and national interests.