Saudi missile plant expansion may produce more powerful missiles, study says
Researchers say the expansion could let Saudi Arabia build missiles with longer range or heavier warheads as the facility nears production readiness.
- On Friday, October 23, 2026, researchers reported that Saudi Arabia is expanding its al-Duwadimi missile complex about 125 miles west of Riyadh to produce larger solid-fuel missiles capable of reaching longer ranges.
- According to the Foreign Policy Research Institute, the expansion likely supports production of longer-range systems similar to Chinese designs, as militaries prefer solid-fuel missiles for their extended storage and rapid-launch capabilities.
- Researchers identified new casting pits and "heavy duty blast diverting walls" at al-Duwadimi, which is at least twice as large as the existing facility, suggesting the kingdom aims to produce missiles with heavier payloads.
- The development could help Saudi Arabia deter Iranian attacks and reduce reliance on F-15 fighters, while other Gulf powers including the UAE and Turkey are similarly expanding their offensive and defensive missile arsenals.
- This expansion may stiffen bipartisan congressional opposition to a proposed US-Saudi civilian nuclear agreement, as critics argue the deal lacks sufficient safeguards to prevent Riyadh from developing nuclear weapons, a claim the kingdom denies.
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11 Articles
Saudi expanding missile factory to build long-range, more powerful missiles: Report
Satellite imagery indicates Saudi Arabia is expanding its al-Duwadimi ballistic missile complex. The project could shift regional military calculations and complicate nuclear cooperation with Washington.
EXCLUSIVE: Saudi missile plant expansion may produce more powerful missiles, study says
Saudi Arabia appears to be expanding its ballistic missile factory to build larger solid-fuel missiles that could fly farther or carry heavier payloads, according to two US researchers who analyzed more than a year of commercial satellite images.
Saudi missile plant expansion may produce more powerful missiles, study says
WASHINGTON, Oct 23 - Saudi Arabia appears to be expanding its ballistic missile factory to build larger solid-fuel missiles that could fly farther or carry heavier payloads, according to two US researchers who analyzed more than a year of commercial satellite images. Read more at straitstimes.com.
An analysis of satellite images by two researchers from the Foreign Policy Research Institute think tank indicates that Saudi Arabia is expanding its ballistic missile capabilities.
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