Saudi Arabia has inaugurated its first battery of the US-made Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (Thaad) missile system, state media reported on Thursday.
The deployment of the system, which can intercept ballistic missiles inside and outside the atmosphere, is part of a broader defence project aimed at boosting the kingdom’s air defence capabilities and ensuring the protection of vital strategic infrastructure and national interests, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
A ceremony was held at the Air Defence Forces Institute in Jeddah, following the successful completion of system testing, evaluation and field training of personnel in Saudi Arabia, SPA said.
Saudi Arabia becomes the second Gulf country after the UAE to deploy the Thaad system. The Emirates in 2011 became the first nation outside of US to obtain the missile defence system, purchasing two batteries that became operational in 2016.
Qatar will also be acquiring the Thaad system, US President Donald Trump said during a visit in May as part of a regional tour that included Saudi Arabia and the UAE. He said the purchase was part of a deal worth $42 billion to supply Qatar with US military hardware.
The US Department of Defence confirmed a deal to sell Saudi Arabia the Thaad system in 2019, as part of a $110 billion arms deal signed during the first Trump administration.
Under an agreement announced in 2022 with US defence contractor Lockheed Martin, Saudi Arabia will manufacture interceptor launchers and canisters for Thaad batteries. Saudi officials announced in May that domestic production of components for the system launcher had begun.
The US deployed two Thaad batteries to Israel in October last year, with the system reportedly used during the recent 12-day war with Iran.
The Thaad system is also being used in South Korea, Japan and Taiwan to protect against the threat from North Korean missiles.
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Explainer: Tanween Design Programme
Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.
The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.
It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.
The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.
Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”
RESULTS
Cagliari 5-2 Fiorentina
Udinese 0-0 SPAL
Sampdoria 0-0 Atalanta
Lazio 4-2 Lecce
Parma 2-0 Roma
Juventus 1-0 AC Milan
