15.03.2026 10:38
In the ongoing war for 16 days, Iran has targeted US bases in 7 Arab countries, while Saudi Arabia was also targeted by drones last night. Saudi Arabia announced that 25 drone attacks were intercepted by its air defense systems throughout the night.
The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Defense announced information regarding attacks on the country. The statement reported that 25 drones that entered the country's airspace since last night were destroyed by air defense systems.
No information was provided about the locations to which the destroyed drones were sent or whether any damage or casualties occurred as a result of the attack attempts.
IRAN CONTINUES TO ATTACK US BASES
Since February 28, Iran has been conducting missile and drone attacks on US bases and critical points in 7 Arab countries in retaliation for the attacks by the US and Israel.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that an attack was carried out on Prince Sultan Air Base in Al-Kharj, located in eastern Saudi Arabia, where US forces are present.
SAUDI ARABIA'S AIR DEFENSE SYSTEMS
Saudi Arabia has established a multi-layered air defense structure largely based on US and Western-made systems. The foundation of the country's air defense is formed by US-made Patriot systems. Saudi Arabia's inventory includes Patriot PAC-2 and the more advanced PAC-3 versions, particularly against ballistic missiles. These systems are used to destroy ballistic missiles, aircraft, and some cruise missiles in the air and are generally deployed around major cities, military facilities, and oil infrastructures.
THAAD SYSTEM IS ALSO PRESENT
Saudi Arabia is also among the countries that procure the US-made THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) system. The THAAD system is designed to intercept ballistic missiles in the upper layers of the atmosphere or during the re-entry phase and forms a complementary defense layer that operates at higher altitudes than the Patriot systems.
The country's air defense also includes different systems for shorter ranges. The French-made Crotale system, known as Shahine, is used against low-altitude targets, while Skyguard radar systems support this defense network. Additionally, short-range air defense systems like the US-made Avenger operate particularly against helicopters, drones, and low-flying targets.
MODERN FIGHTER AIRCRAFT PLAY AN ACTIVE ROLE
Saudi Arabia's air defense is not solely composed of ground-to-air missile systems. Modern fighter aircraft such as the F-15SA and Eurofighter Typhoon also play an active role in protecting the airspace. These aircraft form an important part of the country's air defense system by detecting potential threats at an early stage and carrying out interception missions.
WHY IS SAUDI ARABIA A TARGET?
There are several main reasons why Saudi Arabia is seen as a target in war scenarios. Here are some of these reasons;
1. Being one of the most important allies of the US in the region
Saudi Arabia is one of the countries with the strongest military and political relations with the US in the Middle East. The country has military facilities, radar systems, and defense collaborations that are jointly used with the US. When a conflict occurs between Iran and the US, Iran often sees the US's regional allies as "indirect targets."
2. US military presence and bases
Saudi Arabia hosts bases and logistics centers where US soldiers are stationed. These bases are critical for operations in the Middle East. Therefore, Iran or Iran-aligned groups may consider these facilities as strategic targets.
3. Oil and energy infrastructure
Saudi Arabia is one of the world's largest oil producers. The country's oil refineries, pipelines, and Aramco facilities are critical to the global energy market. An attack on these facilities creates economic pressure and affects global oil prices. Therefore, energy infrastructure becomes an important target in wartime.
4. Iran-Saudi Arabia rivalry
Iran and Saudi Arabia have been engaged in a struggle for influence in the Middle East for many years. In many regions such as Yemen, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon, the two countries have supported different sides. This rivalry increases the risk of Saudi Arabia becoming a target during times of crisis.
5. Strategic location in the Gulf
Saudi Arabia is located near military and commercial routes around the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf. This region is a strategic point through which a significant portion of the world's oil trade passes. Therefore, in times of war, countries in this geography may become military targets.
US-ISRAEL'S ATTACKS ON IRAN
While negotiations continue between Tehran and Washington, Israel and the US launched a military attack on Iran on February 28. In response, Iran attacked targets it identified in several regional countries, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, where US bases are located.
In the US-Israel attacks, Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with many high-ranking officials, was killed. According to Iranian officials, the death toll from the US-Israel attacks exceeded 1,348, and the number of injured surpassed 17,000.