Riyadh attack: US warns after Americans detained over filming missile and drone sites in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is grappling with the challenge of repeated and simultaneous attacks, as its advanced air defense system struggles to protect the country's extensive network of airports and military installations. The nation, a major operator of Patriot missiles, has one of the world's most sophisticated integrated air and missile defense architectures. However, experts warn that no existing system can guarantee the interception of numerous, simultaneous attacks involving various types of missiles and drones.

The kingdom is bolstering its defenses by purchasing seven batteries of Thaad (Terminal High Altitude Area Defence), the largest such program outside the United States. Despite having the world's second-largest air defense system, 13 people were killed when King Khalid International Airport was struck by ballistic missiles, with widespread damage and 308 wounded.

Countries worldwide are now examining how to defend their airports, but experts suggest close-in defense is nearly impossible given the sheer number and size of potential targets.

Military analyst Francis Tusa noted that the scale of interceptor expenditure during the war has put significant pressure on American stocks, creating a ripple effect for allies globally. The Houthis, an Iranian-backed rebel group, have improved their arsenal, including the hypersonic Palestine-2 missile with a range of about 2,000km. This makes interception more challenging during its terminal phase. The United States has expended an estimated 1,500 Patriots, with around 800 remaining.

Saudi Arabia possesses over 1,800 Patriot interceptors and has utilized many in defense against Iran and the Houthis. Other defenses include the South Korean KM-SAM system, owned by the UAE, designed to intercept aircraft and incoming missiles. The UK, which had requested further defensive support from Britain's Ministry of Defence, is providing aerial defense through its Sky Sabre system.

However, British industry offers alternatives, such as the Starstreak high-velocity missile with a range of 8km to 9km, and the £40,000 Martlet missile.

Saudi Arabia's commanders must decide where to position radars and interceptors, a daunting task given the vast country's infrastructure. The resources required for a single site are significant, with one Patriot system typically involving one to two radars, two command systems, and four to six missile launchers. Dr Lynette Nusbacher questioned why commercial airports in the Middle East should have dedicated close-in air defense, given that comparable facilities in the West do not.