Saudi Arabia appears to be expanding a ballistic missile production complex in a way that could allow it to build larger solid-fuel missiles with longer ranges or heavier payloads, Reuters reported on Friday, citing two US researchers who analyzed commercial satellite imagery.
Researchers at the Foreign Policy Research Institute said images of the al-Duwadimi complex, about 200 kilometers west of Riyadh, showed a new building likely designed for casting solid-fuel missile motors.
They said the expansion could support production of more capable missiles, potentially including systems similar to China’s longer-range DF-21.
Analysts told Reuters the added capability could give Saudi Arabia more options against Iran and Yemen’s Houthis while reducing reliance on manned aircraft for long-range strikes.
The facility could be ready to begin producing missiles as early as the end of the year, the researchers said.
Saudi Arabia did not respond to Reuters requests for comment.
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