Full Breakdown
Saudi Arabia Expands Al-Duwadimi Missile Plant to Enable Larger Solid-Fuel Ballistic Missiles
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Satellite imagery analyzed by Sam Lair and Michael Duitsman of the Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) shows that the al-Duwadimi complex, about 200 km west of Riyadh, has added a new building large enough for casting pits for solid-propellant missile motors. The structure is at least twice the size of the existing casting-pit building and is flanked by blast-diverting walls similar to those at U.S. and Iranian missile sites. A photo dated December 12 2025 captured two deep pits inside the unfinished building; a September 18 2026 image showed the roof still partially missing but the protective walls in place. Researchers estimate the facility could begin missile production by the end of the year.
Background & Context
Saudi Arabia acquired roughly 40 liquid-fuel DF-3 ballistic missiles from China in 1987, according to a declassified 1991 CIA estimate. U.S. export restrictions on longer-range systems have pushed Riyadh toward Chinese technology, including solid-fuel DF-15 missiles displayed in a 2014 Saudi parade. Analysts believe the new construction may support DF-15 production and possibly longer-range DF-21 or comparable missiles.
Data & Statistics
- Location: Al-Duwadimi complex, ~200 km west of Riyadh.
- Construction timeline: Ground-clearing began April 2025; casting-pit building work started late April/early May 2025.
- Physical features: New building twice the size of the existing casting-pit structure; heavy-duty blast-diverting walls on both sides.
- Imagery dates: December 12 2025 (deep pits visible, roof absent); September 18 2026 (roof partially missing, walls erected).
Official Statements & Responses
The Saudi embassy and Information Ministry declined comment. The Chinese embassy and defence ministry also did not respond. The U.S. White House and CIA declined requests for comment.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You’d want a system to threaten whatever is holy to Tehran... if you don’t have the political will to send an F-15 with JDAMs over Tehran,” — Sascha Bruchmann, IISS.
Why It Matters
Solid-fuel missiles can be stored longer and launched more rapidly than liquid-fuel systems, giving Saudi Arabia a quicker, more autonomous strike capability. Longer-range missiles would enable Riyadh to target Iranian assets without relying on U.S.-supplied aircraft, narrowing a perceived capability gap with Tehran’s missile and drone forces. The expansion mirrors similar efforts in the United Arab Emirates and Turkey, indicating a regional trend toward indigenous missile production.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
No official confirmation exists that the new facilities are intended for DF-15 or DF-21 production; the assessment relies on visual similarity to Chinese missile plants and expert interpretation. The lack of statements from Saudi, Chinese, or U.S. officials leaves missile types and timelines unverified.
What’s Next
FPRI analysts project that, once roofing and casting equipment are installed, the al-Duwadimi plant could start producing missiles by the end of the current year. Monitoring of the site’s progress is expected to continue through commercial satellite observations.