Saudi Arabia recently announced that the country's air defense forces intercepted and destroyed a drone launched by the Houthis before it entered the airspace of Mecca. While the Houthis have denied this claim, it has sparked much debate about Saudi Arabia's defensive capabilities and raised questions about the country's air defense systems for the protection of Mecca and other holy Islamic cities.
Saudi Arabia's Air Defense Systems
Saudi Arabia has not specifically mentioned the type of defense system used to destroy this drone, but the country's Ministry of Defense released a video in May of this year showing several missile launch platforms, radar systems, and large anti-aircraft guns. According to this ministry, the air defense forces are responsible for protecting holy sites and countering aerial threats with these weapons.
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Hammad Walid, a military affairs researcher, has examined these systems and stated that American-made Patriot systems are deployed in Mecca and Medina. These systems, which can intercept ballistic missiles and drones, are among the most important defensive tools for Saudi Arabia against aerial threats.
Advanced Weapons and Technologies
Hammad Walid also mentioned the 35mm Oerlikon anti-aircraft gun, which is seen in the released videos. These guns are typically used to target small drones due to their lower ammunition costs compared to Patriot missiles. Meanwhile, the Patriot system is primarily used to counter larger threats such as ballistic missiles and cruise missiles.
Saudi Arabia also purchased the THAAD defense system last year, which is recognized as the most advanced missile defense system in the world. This system can intercept short-range and medium-range missiles and can be quickly deployed in various locations.
However, Hammad Walid emphasizes that high costs and resource limitations may put Saudi Arabia in a difficult position. He states that using expensive systems like THAAD to counter drones is not cost-effective, and the country resorts to anti-aircraft guns for this purpose.
Andrew Davidson, a military analyst, also points out that Saudi Arabia has the capability to counter potential threats, but may face greater losses in the event of sustained attacks. He expresses concern over the division of defense resources among critical points such as religious sites and vital infrastructure, emphasizing that focusing on the protection of certain points could lead to a reduction in defensive capabilities in other areas.
Ultimately, in light of recent tensions and ongoing threats from the Houthis and Iran, Saudi Arabia is significantly strengthening its air defense capabilities. The country is seeking to ensure the security and protection of holy Islamic sites against any aerial threats.
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