Saudi Gazette report

TEXAS — The Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces celebrated the graduation of the second group of personnel trained to operate the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile system, following the completion of specialized training at Fort Bliss Military Base in El Paso, Texas.

The new cohort follows the first group trained earlier, as part of a broader strategy to equip Saudi forces with the skills necessary to operate and maintain the THAAD system — one of the world’s most advanced missile defense platforms and a key component of the Kingdom’s air defense network.

The graduates underwent an intensive program that included technical and operational instruction, combat simulations, and field exercises.

The training was delivered under the supervision of defense experts from the system’s manufacturer and in coordination with U.S. military trainers, in line with bilateral military cooperation agreements.

The program reflects the Ministry of Defense’s broader efforts to enhance force readiness through specialized training and professional development.

The Air Defense Forces are continuing to implement plans aimed at building national expertise capable of managing and operating sophisticated defense systems to bolster Saudi Arabia’s security and safeguard its airspace.

The graduation ceremony, held at Fort Bliss, was attended by the Commander of the Air Defense Forces Institute, Maj. Gen. Abdullah Al-Rubaie, representing Lt. Gen. Mazid Balamro, Commander of the Air Defense Forces, along with U.S. officials and representatives from the training agencies.