The Royal Saudi Strategic Missile Force operates a network of secretive, fortified ballistic bases
In short: As the fifth branch of the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces, the Royal Saudi Strategic Missile Force manages the kingdom's long-range missile capabilities. Operating from a series of heavily fortified, often underground, facilities, the force has become a focal point for international speculation regarding regional security and potential nuclear deterrents.
Historically headquartered in an underground facility in Riyadh, the force expanded its infrastructure significantly in July 2013 with the opening of new headquarters and academy buildings. These facilities are designed to coordinate advanced defensive systems, including the Peace Shield radar network. The force's strategic importance has grown since 2009, when Saudi leadership publicly indicated that Gulf states might pursue nuclear weapons as a countermeasure to Iran's nuclear program.
The nature of the Saudi missile program remains shrouded in opacity, fueling intense international debate. Experts have long speculated about a potential nuclear arrangement with Pakistan, with some reports suggesting a 'cash-and-carry' deal for warheads or an agreement to host Pakistani nuclear forces. While officials have not confirmed the acquisition of nuclear weapons, they have described their military agreements as comprehensive, defensive, and encompassing all available means. Recent developments have further complicated this picture; in 2021, satellite imagery suggested that Saudi Arabia was manufacturing solid-fueled missiles with assistance from China, a continuation of long-standing cooperation that dates back to the 'Golden Wheel' program.
The RSSMF maintains a network of at least four, and likely five, highly secured bases across the kingdom. These include the Al-Watah base, a modern underground facility built in 1956 located 200 km southwest of Riyadh, and the Al Sulayyil base, which was constructed by the Chinese in 1988. Other sites, such as the Rawdah base, feature extensive tunnel systems and have been observed housing older DF-3 missiles, likely for training purposes. The program continues to evolve, with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers contracting engineering services for the Saudi Missile Program as recently as 2020, highlighting the ongoing international involvement in the development of these strategic assets.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Royal Saudi Strategic Missile Force
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