Saudi Air Defense Forces Complete Second Phase of THAAD Missile System Training in U.S.

The Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces (RSADF) have officially graduated their second operational unit trained on the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system. The graduation ceremony took place at Fort Bliss Military Base in El Paso, Texas, marking a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to modernize its military under Vision 2030.

The intensive training program is part of a broader U.S.-Saudi defense cooperation strategy and aims to establish a fully qualified Saudi team capable of operating and maintaining one of the world’s most sophisticated anti-missile defense systems.

Advanced Training Under U.S. Supervision

Conducted in partnership with U.S. defense experts and the manufacturer of the THAAD system, the program included:

• Technical and operational instruction
• Live combat simulations
• Advanced field training exercises

This second cohort follows the successful graduation of the first THAAD unit several months prior. The training not only enhances operational proficiency but also plays a crucial role in strengthening Saudi Arabia’s aerial defense network amid rising regional threats.

A Strategic Move Toward Military Self-Reliance

The initiative is in line with the Saudi Ministry of Defense’s strategic objectives to localize defense capabilities and build self-sufficient, highly skilled military units. By focusing on knowledge transfer and technical excellence, the program supports the Kingdom’s ambition to reduce reliance on foreign military operators.

“This achievement reflects our commitment to preparing national cadres capable of operating advanced defense technologies with high efficiency,” said Major General Abdullah Al-Rubaie, Commander of the Air Defense Forces Institute, who represented Lieutenant General Mazyad Al-Amro at the graduation.

Deepening U.S.-Saudi Military Ties

The ceremony was attended by high-ranking U.S. military officials and representatives from relevant defense and training organizations, highlighting the strength of bilateral military cooperation between Washington and Riyadh.

As part of its modernization roadmap, the RSADF continues to implement structured training programs aimed at expanding its operational capabilities while reinforcing national security and defending Saudi airspace from evolving threats.