TSAMTO, December 1. According to information published by Defense News, Lockheed Martin plans to deliver the first THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) missile defense system to the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces in 2023.
As a representative of Lockheed Martin told the publication, deliveries are expected to be completed by 2027.
As reported by TSAMTO, in 2017, Saudi Arabia expressed its intention to purchase several systems to create a layered air defense/missile defense system. The US State Department approved the supply of THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) missile defense systems, related support services and equipment to Saudi Arabia in the framework of the Foreign Military Sales program in October 2017. The Saudi government's request included the sale of 44 THAAD launchers, 360 THAAD interceptor missiles, 16 THAAD mobile tactical fire control and communications stations, 7 AN/TPY-2 radars, as well as other equipment, military equipment and services.
In November 2018, the US State Department announced that officials from Saudi Arabia and the US had signed a letter of proposal and acceptance of the proposal, which contains conditions for the purchase by Saudi Arabia of THAAD launchers, missiles and related equipment.
In March 2019, the Missile Defense Agency, within the framework of the Foreign Military Sales program, signed a contract with Lockheed Martin worth $ 945.9 million for the implementation of the first phase of the program for the supply of THAAD systems to Saudi Arabia. The agreement provided for the purchase of components with long production times, tools and test equipment, development, and staff training. The work should be completed by the end of October 2026.
The delivery of the complexes will provide the upper level of the Saudi Arabia's layered missile defense system. According to the developers, the THAAD system allows you to hit air targets at ranges from 150 to 200 km. THAAD interceptor missiles are equipped with a kinetic warhead that ensures the defeat of the target by direct hit (hit-to-kill). They allow the interception of ballistic missiles, both in outer space and in the atmosphere. The complex can interact with other elements of the echeloned missile defense system, perform tasks together with the Patriot PAC-3, Aegis air defense systems, forward-based detection means and the C2BMC combat control, control and communication system (Command, Control, Battle Management, and Communications).
