Latest news with #AbdullahAl-Rubaie
Asharq Al-Awsat
09-04-2025
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Military Personnel Graduate from US THAAD Missile Defense Training Program
The Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces have announced the graduation of the second unit trained to operate the US-made Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system. The training was completed at Fort Bliss Military Base in El Paso, Texas. This latest graduation follows the completion of training for the first unit several months ago and is part of a broader initiative to build a fully qualified Saudi operational and maintenance crew for the THAAD system- one of the world's most advanced and precise missile defense technologies. The system is considered a key pillar of Saudi Arabia's air defense capabilities. During their training, the Saudi personnel underwent an intensive program that included technical and operational instruction, combat simulation, and advanced field exercises. The course was conducted under the supervision of experts from the system's manufacturing company, in cooperation with the United States as part of ongoing military collaboration agreements between the two nations. This training initiative is aligned with the Saudi Ministry of Defense's strategic objective to enhance the operational readiness and technical proficiency of its forces through advanced and specialized training. The goal is to equip Saudi forces with the skills required for modern military operations, in line with Vision 2030's focus on military modernization and technological localization. The Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces continue to implement comprehensive plans to qualify national cadres capable of managing and operating advanced defense systems, strengthening national security and protecting Saudi airspace against potential threats. The graduation ceremony was held at Fort Bliss in the presence of Major General Abdullah Al-Rubaie, Commander of the Air Defense Forces Institute, representing Lieutenant General Mazyad Al-Amro, Commander of the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces. The event was also attended by US counterparts and representatives from relevant training bodies.
Saudi Gazette
08-04-2025
- General
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Air Defense Forces graduate second THAAD missile system unit
Saudi Gazette report TEXAS — The Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces celebrated the graduation of the second group of personnel trained to operate the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile system, following the completion of specialized training at Fort Bliss Military Base in El Paso, Texas. The new cohort follows the first group trained earlier, as part of a broader strategy to equip Saudi forces with the skills necessary to operate and maintain the THAAD system — one of the world's most advanced missile defense platforms and a key component of the Kingdom's air defense network. The graduates underwent an intensive program that included technical and operational instruction, combat simulations, and field exercises. The training was delivered under the supervision of defense experts from the system's manufacturer and in coordination with U.S. military trainers, in line with bilateral military cooperation agreements. The program reflects the Ministry of Defense's broader efforts to enhance force readiness through specialized training and professional development. The Air Defense Forces are continuing to implement plans aimed at building national expertise capable of managing and operating sophisticated defense systems to bolster Saudi Arabia's security and safeguard its airspace. The graduation ceremony, held at Fort Bliss, was attended by the Commander of the Air Defense Forces Institute, Maj. Gen. Abdullah Al-Rubaie, representing Lt. Gen. Mazid Balamro, Commander of the Air Defense Forces, along with U.S. officials and representatives from the training agencies.
