Satellite images show Saudi Arabia enlarging ballistic missile plant west of Riyadh
Commercial satellite images reviewed by researchers show Saudi Arabia expanding a ballistic missile complex at al‑Duwadimi, west of Riyadh, with a new building about twice the size of the existing plant and likely intended for larger solid‑fuel missiles.
Saudi Arabia appears to be significantly upgrading its ballistic missile production capacity, according to researchers who have analyzed new satellite imagery of a facility west of Riyadh.
Images taken between April 2025 and September 2026 show a new building at the al‑Duwadimi complex, about 200 kilometers from the capital. The structure is at least twice the size of the existing facility and is likely used for casting larger solid‑fuel missile motors, Reuters reported.
Solid‑fuel missiles can be kept fueled and ready to fire more quickly than older liquid‑fuel designs, which has clear military value. A larger casting building points to ambitions to manufacture bigger motors that could support missiles with greater range or heavier payloads.
Saudi Arabia’s interest in ballistic missiles predates this expansion, and the kingdom has long sought to strengthen its missile forces. What the new imagery suggests is a move to deepen domestic production rather than relying entirely on outside suppliers for key components.
An expanded plant at al‑Duwadimi will draw attention from governments and analysts focused on missile proliferation in the region. Facilities of this type sit far from any front line, but what they produce can shape the balance of power across the Gulf.
Next steps to watch include any official comment from Saudi authorities on the purpose of the new building, clarification from security partners on how they view the expansion, and signs in future imagery of further construction related to missile assembly or testing.
Sources
- OSINT