Latest news with #MazyadAl-Amro
Leaders
02-07-2025
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia Launches First THAAD Missile Defense Unit
The Saudi Royal Air Defense Forces (RSADF) have officially inaugurated the first unit of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), the Saudi Defense Ministry said in a statement. In a ceremony held at the Air Defense Forces Institute in Jeddah on Wednesday, the Saudi Royal Air Defense Forces commissioned the THAAD unit into service after successfully completing system testing, inspection and activation, as well as conducting collective field training for its personnel within Saudi Arabia. The Commander of the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces, Lt. Gen. Mazyad Al-Amro, attended the ceremony, during which he handed the unit's flag to the commander of the 1st Air Defense Group, marking its official entry into service as part of the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces' systems. The deployment of this unit is part of the THAAD Defense Project, designed to boost the readiness of the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces and enhance their defense capabilities, ensuring the protection of the Kingdom's vital infrastructure and strategic interests. In April 2025, Saudi Arabia celebrated the graduation of its second batch of THAAD-trained personnel at Fort Bliss, Texas, marking a major milestone in bolstering the Kingdom's defense capabilities. The first batch graduated in November 2024. Saudi Arabia plans to deploy seven THAAD batteries by 2028, further fortifying airspace security and countering threats through hit-to-kill technology. The Kingdom is also localizing THAAD components, with the first domestically manufactured components for the THAAD missile defense system launcher completed in Jeddah in May 2025, in partnership with Lockheed Martin. Short link : Post Views: 15
Saudi Gazette
02-07-2025
- General
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Royal Air Defense Force commissions first THAAD missile defense unit
Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — The Saudi Royal Air Defense Force officially inaugurated the first unit of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile system during a ceremony held at the Air Defense Forces Institute in Jeddah, the Ministry of Defense announced. The unit was commissioned into service following the successful completion of system testing, evaluation, and field training of personnel within the Kingdom. The ceremony was attended by Lt. Gen. Mazyad Al-Amro, Commander of the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces, who formally handed over the unit's flag to the commander of the 1st Air Defense Group, marking its 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. Previously, the Air Defense Forces had graduated personnel for the first and second THAAD units after they completed specialized training courses at Fort Bliss in the U.S. state of Texas.
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.
