Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — Saudi Arabia’s Chief of Staff Gen. Fayyad Al-Ruwaili conducted an inspection visit to the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces’ second air defense group and the Air Defense Forces Institute in Jeddah. He reviewed the Kingdom’s first operational THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) missile unit.

The THAAD battery — recently inaugurated after passing comprehensive testing, field integration, and operational training — represents a significant upgrade in Saudi Arabia’s air defense capabilities, enhancing its ability to protect strategic airspace and critical infrastructure.

The visit is part of routine oversight to ensure the operational readiness of air defense systems across the Kingdom.

During his tour of the THAAD battery at Saher Field, Gen. Al-Ruwaili was briefed on the system’s tactical capabilities, operational tasks, and mission planning. He also inspected its various components deployed in the field.

Following this, Gen. Al-Ruwaili visited the Air Defense Forces Institute's group training grounds, where he reviewed the THAAD unit’s training facilities and received updates on the progress of collective training programs.

The tour concluded with a field inspection of associated equipment and a commemorative photo session.