Saudi Arabia agrees to purchase S400 missile defence systems from Russia

Riyadh, October 6: Saudi Arabia on Thursday agreed to purchase S400 missile defence systems from Russia on the sidelines of a visit by Saudi King Salman to Moscow. Notably, Saudi Arabia has taken this massive step with an aim to strengthen and boost its defence sector effectively.

 

Chief Executive of the Institute of Near East and Gulf Military Analysis in Dubai, Riad Kahwaji said that Saudi utilizes an American-European missile defence base depending heavily on Raytheon’s Patriot missile systems but the inclusion of the Russian system will enhance the system in place.

Kahwaji said, “The S400 is an effective missile platform that can be effectively utilized as long as the communications network is in place.”“As long as your command and control can talk to each other and see any emanating threats you are fine with this system in place,“ he added.

Importantly, with this massive deal, Saudi Arabia will acquire one of the most advanced missile defence platforms in the world. The S-400 Triumf is an anti-aircraft, anti-ballistic missile and anti-cruise missile defense system that has been in service with the Russian Army since 2007.

The system uses four missiles, a very-long-range 400 km missile, a long-range 250 km missile, a medium-range 120 km missile and a short-range 40 km missile. This missile system will give Saudi Arabia a multi-layer defence ability against aerial threats. The S-400 is utilized by The Russian, Belarussian and Chinese armies. However, Turkey and India are awaiting delivery.