Owning THAAD Does Not Mean the Ability to Use It: Saudi Arabia Between Defensive Independence and Tactical Dependence
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Weapons & EquipmentOperational
The U.S. has deployed additional THAAD and Patriot batteries in the Middle East in response to potential Iranian threats. Saudi Arabia, which has invested $15 billion in THAAD systems, activated its first battery in July 2025 but remains dependent on U.S. military support for effective defense. The complexities of operating advanced systems like THAAD require extensive training and integration with U.S. command structures, limiting Saudi Arabia's independent operational capabilities.
Ahmed Al-RashidSun Feb 08 2026Loading...
