• Source:JND

The escalating tensions between the United States, Israel and Iran have shaken the entire Middle East region. Countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Bahrain have become the battleground with missiles also being fired at them. Iran is continuously attacking Gulf countries in response to US and Israeli attacks.

The US Embassy in Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh, and the Ras Tanura refinery were attacked. While some missiles have had an impact, most of them were intercepted. Saudi Arabia has become a direct target of Iranian missiles.

Amid a barrage of attacks, the question remains- how do countries like Saudi Arabia, that are indirectly involved in this conflict, safeguarding region which has Mecca, Medina, the two holiest cities in Islam? The two regions account for millions of devotees who visit the holy sites every year, without any security risks. Also, Iran is geographically close to both Mecca and Medina. While Mecca is located approximately 1,720-1,950 km away from Iran by air, Medina is about 1,417 km away. However, land routes differ and can exceed up to 2,600 km.

Saudi Arabia's Giant Defence

Saudi Arabia invests heavily in modernising its military. It has reportedly spent USD 80 billion on its military through 2025. A large portion of this was allocated to the Royal Saudi Air Defence Force to create a robust, multi-layered shield against challenging aerial threats.

The country's defence budget amounts to USD 78 billion. It uses the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) air defence system, along with Patriot interceptors, South Korea's KM-SAM air defence system, and anti-drone laser technology of China.

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640 Patriot PAC-3 Interceptors: Patriot PAC-3 air defence system, a US-made technology, which can intercept short- and medium-range ballistic missiles. These interceptors safeguard its infrastructure and crucial oil facilities.

THAAD: Saudi Arabia officially activated its first Terminal High Altitude Area Defence unit last year. Developed by the US, it is an advanced system that provides a vital upper-tier air defence system. It can easily destroy ballistic missiles inside and outside the Earth's atmosphere.|

KM-SAM Block II: Saudi Arabia uses Cheongang-II, a mobile air defence system. It is capable of intercepting lower-tier ballistic missiles and aircraft. Besides, it also uses anti-aircraft artillery such as the Oerlikon Skyguard 35mm Twin Cannon.

30kW Chinese Laser Weapons: China's Silent Hunter, a 30-kilowatt fiber-optic laser system, is also a part of Saudi Arabia's military. It is considered effective against suicide drones.

360-Degree Electronic Jamming: The Saudi military focuses heavily on electronic warfare and jamming vehicles. It has purchased systems like the JN1101 from China, which can neutralise drone swarms by disrupting communication and navigation signals in the air.

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