Saudi Arabia Expands Missile Production Capabilities

• •Saudi Arabia is expanding its missile factory to produce larger solid-fuel missiles.
• •The expansion could enhance military capabilities against Iran and Houthi fighters.
• •Concerns arise over a potential regional missile race and US-Saudi nuclear deal complications.

Saudi Arabia is reportedly expanding its ballistic missile factory to produce larger solid-fuel missiles, which could enhance its military capabilities. Researchers from the Foreign Policy Research Institute analyzed satellite images showing new construction at the al-Duwadimi facility, located west of Riyadh. This expansion may allow Saudi Arabia to deter Iranian attacks and reduce dependency on foreign military support, particularly against Houthi fighters in Yemen. However, it raises the risk of escalating a regional missile race and could complicate US-Saudi relations regarding a civilian nuclear deal. The new buildings include casting pits for missile fuel and storage for missile components. The facility is believed to be utilizing Chinese technology, with indications that Saudi Arabia may produce solid-fuel variants of the DF-15 missile and potentially the longer-range DF-21. Construction at the site reportedly began in April 2025, and the facility may be ready for missile production by late 2026.