Latest news with #SaudiMinistryofDefense
Miami Herald
4 days ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Images Show U.S. Patriot Missiles Deployed for Muslim Hajj Pilgrimage
The Saudi Ministry of Defense has released images of U.S.-made Raytheon MIM-104 Patriot missile systems deployed to protect Mecca and the Grand Mosque during the ongoing Hajj pilgrimage. The same system has previously been used to intercept Houthi-launched missiles. Newsweek has reached out to the Saudi government for comment. The kingdom has stepped up a multi-layered security approach to manage over 1.5 million Hajj pilgrims this year, deploying advanced air defense and surveillance systems and enhancing military ground forces' coordination with civil police. The deployment of the Patriot missile system underscores Saudi Arabia's reliance on American-made air defense technology, a cornerstone of its defense strategy, also notable in its recent acquisition of Lockheed's THAAD system, which operates over longer ranges. "Air defense forces... an eye that never sleeps, its mission is the safety of Muslim pilgrims," read the Saudi Defense Ministry's Arabic-language caption above photos of the Patriot missile system. Some social media uders speculated it was a show of force to the Yemeni Houthis, which the kingdom has fought since 2015. "May God strengthen you and may God return the plots of the pagan Houthis back upon them," a username called Abdullah wrote in a comment. In 2022, the U.S. approved the sale of 300 Raytheon Patriot MIM-104E GEM-T missiles to Saudi Arabia as part of a $3.05 billion defense package, in support for counterattacks from the Houthis. A Saudi-based military blogger account by the username of "SM Military" with more than 100,000 followers on X, translated from Arabic:"From the holy city of Mecca, the Saudi Air Defense's Patriot system stands as a strong shield protecting the most sacred land on earth...A clear message to the world that the security of the Guests of the Merciful is a non-negotiable priority, and that the skies over the Grand Mosque are guarded by vigilant hands that never sleep." An account in Arabic on X under the name of "The Moroccan Deterrent" with over 246,000 followers: "It is no longer acceptable for American-made defense systems controlled by American experts to protect the airspace of Mecca and its cities. If Saudi Arabia does not manufacture defense systems, which is unlikely in the near future, it would be better to resort to reliable defense systems that Muslim Türkiye has begun to produce. At any time and with any political dispute, America can withdraw or suspend it, and this is known to the leaders of the Saudi army." Rituals of the Hajj pilgrimage will continue to unfold over several days this week. Related Articles Images Show Power Plant Nears Completion at World's Biggest Construction SiteIsrael Fears Arms Race in Fight to Remain Middle East's Only Nuclear PowerTrump Business Booms Abroad Amid Ethics QuestionsWhy MBS Is Keeping the Pressure on Iran | Opinion 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
6 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Images Show U.S. Patriot Missiles Deployed for Muslim Hajj Pilgrimage
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Saudi Ministry of Defense has released images of U.S.-made Raytheon MIM-104 Patriot missile systems deployed to protect Mecca and the Grand Mosque during the ongoing Hajj pilgrimage. The same system has previously been used to intercept Houthi-launched missiles. Newsweek has reached out to the Saudi government for comment. Why It Matters The kingdom has stepped up a multi-layered security approach to manage over 1.5 million Hajj pilgrims this year, deploying advanced air defense and surveillance systems and enhancing military ground forces' coordination with civil police. The deployment of the Patriot missile system underscores Saudi Arabia's reliance on American-made air defense technology, a cornerstone of its defense strategy, also notable in its recent acquisition of Lockheed's THAAD system, which operates over longer ranges. A U.S. Army MIM-104 Patriot Missile launcher on display at Holloman Air Force Base. A U.S. Army MIM-104 Patriot Missile launcher on display at Holloman Air Force Base. Jon G. Fuller / VWPics/AP Images What To Know "Air defense forces... an eye that never sleeps, its mission is the safety of Muslim pilgrims," read the Saudi Defense Ministry's Arabic-language caption above photos of the Patriot missile system. لم يعد مقبول ان تقوم منظومات دفاع صناعة امريكية ويتحكم بها خبراء امريكيين بحماية أجواء مكة المكرمة والمدنية، ان لم تصنع السعودية منظومات دفاع وهذا مستبعد قريبًا، فالافضل اللجوء الى منظومات دفاع موثوقة بدأت تنتجها تركيا المسلمة في اي وقت ومع اي خلاف سياسي يمكن لامريكا سحبها او… — الرادع المغربي 🇲🇦🔻🇵🇸 (@Rd_fas1) June 5, 2025 Some social media uders speculated it was a show of force to the Yemeni Houthis, which the kingdom has fought since 2015. "May God strengthen you and may God return the plots of the pagan Houthis back upon them," a username called Abdullah wrote in a comment. In 2022, the U.S. approved the sale of 300 Raytheon Patriot MIM-104E GEM-T missiles to Saudi Arabia as part of a $3.05 billion defense package, in support for counterattacks from the Houthis. What People Are Saying A Saudi-based military blogger account by the username of "SM Military" with more than 100,000 followers on X, translated from Arabic: "From the holy city of Mecca, the Saudi Air Defense's Patriot system stands as a strong shield protecting the most sacred land on earth...A clear message to the world that the security of the Guests of the Merciful is a non-negotiable priority, and that the skies over the Grand Mosque are guarded by vigilant hands that never sleep." An account in Arabic on X under the name of "The Moroccan Deterrent" with over 246,000 followers: "It is no longer acceptable for American-made defense systems controlled by American experts to protect the airspace of Mecca and its cities. If Saudi Arabia does not manufacture defense systems, which is unlikely in the near future, it would be better to resort to reliable defense systems that Muslim Türkiye has begun to produce. At any time and with any political dispute, America can withdraw or suspend it, and this is known to the leaders of the Saudi army." What Happens Next Rituals of the Hajj pilgrimage will continue to unfold over several days this week.
Asharq Al-Awsat
14-04-2025
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Defense Ministry Hosts Eighth Meeting of 'Dragon Group' Chiefs of Staff
The Saudi Ministry of Defense hosted the eighth meeting of the "Dragon Group" Chiefs of Staff in Riyadh., reported the Saudi Press Agency on Sunday. The meeting was attended by the chiefs of staff and representatives from Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, United Kingdom, and the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The meeting was opened by Saudi Chief of General Staff Gen. Fayyad bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili and covered topics of common interest, including counter-terrorism, developments in the Palestinian territories, the need for humanitarian aid access, and regional de-escalation efforts. The participants stressed the importance of maritime security, ensuring the safety of waterways, and strengthening anti-smuggling and anti-piracy operations.
Saudi Gazette
13-04-2025
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
Dragon Group defense chiefs emphasize importance of protecting maritime navigation
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi Ministry of Defense hosted the eighth meeting of the Chiefs of Staff of the Dragon Group member states in Riyadh on Sunday. The Saudi Chief of the General Staff Gen. Fayyadh Al-Ruwaili inaugurated the meeting, which discussed topics of common interest. These included the fight against terrorism, developments in the Palestinian territories, the importance of delivering humanitarian aid, and efforts to de-escalate regional tensions. The participants emphasized the importance of securing and protecting maritime navigation, ensuring the safety and security of waterways, and strengthening efforts to combat smuggling and piracy. The Dragon Group is an annual forum for Middle East defense chiefs from 10 countries in addition to the GCC General Secretariat. The meeting was attended by the Chiefs of Staff and representatives of Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, in addition to the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
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.
