US Army trains new Saudi anti-missile THAAD crew as Gulf air defense lags - AL-MONITOR: The Middle Eastʼs leading independent news source since 2012

The Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces graduated the third class of THAAD anti-ballistic missile operators after its members completed the stages of specialized individual training at Fort Bliss military base in the United States.

Subscribe for as low as $2/week to access this story and all reporting.

By entering your email, you agree to receive AL-MONITOR's daily newsletter and occasional marketing messages.

Why AL-MONITOR?

AL-MONITOR is an award-winning media outlet covering the Middle East, valued for its independence, diversity and analysis. It is read widely by US, international and Middle East decision makers at the highest levels, as well as by media, thought and business leaders and academia.

Read by

Live news & notifications

Follow over 100 expert journalists based across the region and get notified in real time of breaking stories and exclusives. *Expanded coverage on Energy & Defense sectors.

Premier analysis of the Middle East

Access the sharpest and most diverse regional minds giving you all the angles on regional trends.

Live events & video

Priority access to roundtables, summits and other events alongside AL-MONITOR's global community of regional influencers.

Specialized Newsletters

Get timely reporting on key countries and sectors with up to 10 daily and weekly newsletters straight to your inbox.

Big, exclusive interviews

Follow conversations with the region's biggest names in politics and business.

AL-MONITOR archives since 2012

Access a repository of over a decade's worth of regional coverage, insights and trends.

The Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces graduated the third class of THAAD anti-ballistic missile operators after its members completed the stages of specialized individual training at Fort Bliss military base in the United States.

Subscribe for unlimited access

By becoming an AL-MONITOR subscriber, you drive our team’s rigorous and independent journalism spanning the Middle East.

Continue

Ryan Lim / AFP via Getty Images

Iran’s missile barrage tests US interceptor limits in escalating war

Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

A US Army MIM-104 Patriot anti-missile defense launcher stands ahead of the arrival of former US President Joe Biden at Rzeszow Airport on March 25, 2022, in Rzeszow, Poland.

Analysis

Trump’s Patriot sales to Ukraine underscore Iran's proliferation threat

Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

A picture taken on Jan. 13, 2020, shows US Army drones at the Ain al-Asad air base in the western Iraqi province of Anbar.

Analysis

How lessons from Iran, Ukraine are shaping US Army’s new missile defense plan

Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

Israeli soldiers walk near an Israeli Irone Dome defence system (L), a surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, the MIM-104 Patriot (C), and an anti-ballistic missile the Arrow 3 (R) during Juniper Cobra's joint exercise press briefing at Hatzor Israeli Air Force Base in central Israel, on February 25, 2016.
Juniper Cobra, is held every two years where Israel and the United States train their militaries together to prepare against possible ballistic missile attacks, as well as allowing the armies to learn to be

Success of US-funded Israeli missile defense system sparks interest in use inside America

Jack Detsch