Lockheed Martin builds first Saudi Arabian THAAD components
The THAAD missile launcher subcontracts were given in 2024 to two Saudi Arabian companies. (Photo: USAF / Staff Sgt. Cory D. Payne)
The THAAD launcher was first procured by Saudi Arabia in 2017, with local production a key condition of the sale.
Lockheed Martin, in partnership with General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) and Arabian International Company for Steel Structures (AIC), has built the first locally produced parts for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system in Saudi Arabia.
The news comes just days ahead of President Trump’s visit to the country, where it is anticipated defence procurement and collaboration will be further discussed with the Kingdom.
The THAAD battery system procurement was first signed in 2017 as part of a US$15 billion deal made in President Trump’s first term during a visit to Saudi Arabia. One key condition of the THAAD
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Eurosatory 2026 roundup: uncrewed, counter-uncrewed and new vehicles define direction]()
Eurosatory 2026 roundup: uncrewed, counter-uncrewed and new vehicles define direction
Uncrewed and counter-uncrewed systems were a major feature of this edition of Eurosatory 2026 along with programme updates and first sight of new main battle tanks.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: As MGCS stalls, has Europe’s new MBT been unveiled?]()
Eurosatory 2026: As MGCS stalls, has Europe’s new MBT been unveiled?
Eurosatory 2026 saw a number of main battle tanks on display, including two new platforms which could be the future of European tanks.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Pearson Engineering to send AI mine detecting systems into Ukraine]()
Eurosatory 2026: Pearson Engineering to send AI mine detecting systems into Ukraine
Pearson Engineering’s Threat-Sense system is designed to use imaging from drones to geolocate scattered mines and support uncrewed systems in defeating the threats.
-
![Is motorisation set to be the next evolution of towed artillery?]()
Is motorisation set to be the next evolution of towed artillery?
Artillery remains a key tool on the modern battlefield. Artillery platforms, however, are increasingly at risk from enemy fire, whether from other artillery or uncrewed …
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Milrem expands partnerships as it outlines NATO eastern flank defence plans]()
Eurosatory 2026: Milrem expands partnerships as it outlines NATO eastern flank defence plans
In the past three months Milrem Robotics has signed cooperation agreements with Hanwha, EOS Defence Systems and Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ) and at Eurosatory 2026 with CNIM Systèmes Industriels and Frankenburg Technologies. The deals come as the company develops its Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative.
