Saudi Arabia's Air Defense System: Short-Range SAMs and MANPADS
The Royal Saudi Air Defense Force operates over 600 anti-aircraft guns. missile short-range systems mounted on various towed and self-propelled platforms, and approximately 350 launchers for man-portable air defense systems. All these assets Defense They are designed to counter enemy air attacks in the near zone, serve as the last line of defense for air defense, and are used both to provide troop cover and to protect stationary, strategically important facilities. Given the climate of the Arabian Peninsula, there is a trend toward mounting missiles originally developed for MANPADS on mobile platforms, where crews maintain combat alert status within air-conditioned spaces.
Shahine and Crotale mobile anti-aircraft missile systems
In 1980, the Royal Air Defence Forces received the Shanine mobile air defence system (original designation R460 SICA), developed by the French company Thomson-CSF based on the highly successful and widely used Crotale system.
A Shanine air defense missile detection radar and self-propelled launchers on parade.
Unlike the French Crotale, which was mounted on a wheeled base, the elements of the system created by order of Saudi Arabia were placed on a chassis. tank The AMX-30, which provided improved sand mobility, was also upgraded. Instead of the four ready-to-use missiles carried on the original French variant, the Saudi version was equipped with six. Several improvements were also made to the system. For example, the Saudi air defense system utilized an improved R460 surface-to-air missile and more advanced electronics at the time. The R460 SAM is 3,12 meters long, 156 mm in diameter, and has a wingspan of 0,59 meters. It has a launch weight of 100 kg. The missile is equipped with a 15 kg fragmentation warhead. The warhead is detonated by a contact or proximity IR fuse. The fragmentation radius is up to 8 meters. The missile is radio-guided; during the initial phase of its flight, it is tracked by radar and IR sensors. If radar tracking is disrupted, a switchover occurs to the TV system, which tracks the target and guides the SAM.
The Shanine SAM battery consists of a command vehicle with a mobile detection radar, as well as four combat vehicles carrying anti-aircraft missiles, tracking equipment, and guidance systems. In addition to self-propelled systems, Saudi Arabia ordered towed SAM systems for airbase defense. Thomson-CSF delivered a total of 39 detection vehicles and 73 self-propelled launchers based on the AMX-30 chassis, as well as 10 detection stations and 19 launchers mounted on a towed trailer (the ATTS—Air Transportable Towed System) modification.
From 1991 to 1993, Thomson-CSF completed a contract to upgrade the Shahine-1 system to the Shahine-2 standard under the Dattier program. The total contract value was $492,7 million.
The upgraded surveillance radar can detect low-flying aerial targets at a range of over 19,000 meters. The tracking radar has a range of 17,000 meters. Improved communications equipment allows the launchers to be spaced 4 km from the detection station. The command vehicle can also be integrated into the general warning network.
The Shahine-2 SAM system has a maximum engagement range of 11,800 m and a minimum of 500 m. It can engage targets flying at altitudes of 50–3000 m. The maximum target speed is up to 410 m/s. In a simple jamming environment, the kill probability of a single missile reaches 0,9.
In 2014, talks between Riyadh and Paris regarding the purchase of upgraded Crotale NG air defense systems were reported. However, it appears the parties failed to reach an agreement on the acquisition of the new systems. Instead, Saudi Arabia received towed Crotales of the previous version, apparently taken from French military stockpiles.
It can be assumed that the purchase of used SAM systems is connected with the shortage of air defense systems in the Royal Air Defence Forces that are capable of effectively countering air attack weapons at low altitudes.
The Pantsir-S1M anti-aircraft missile and gun system
It was recently announced that the €2,2 billion contract signed in April 2021 between Rosoboronexport and the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Defense for the delivery of Pantsir-S1M anti-aircraft missile and gun systems is being implemented.
The Pantsir-S1M air defense missile and gun system was first demonstrated abroad in February 2021 at the IDEX-2021 International Arms Exhibition in Abu Dhabi.
Combat vehicle of the Pantsir-S1M anti-aircraft missile and gun system on the KamAZ-53958 automobile chassis
The five-year contract includes the delivery of 39 Pantsir-S1M air defense missile and gun systems (SAM) combat vehicles, ten mobile battery command posts, as well as "hundreds of anti-aircraft missiles" and associated equipment. The Saudi side transferred the first payment of €326 million in August 2021, and deliveries of the Pantsir-S1M SAM systems began in 2023.
The systems are mounted on a KAMAZ-53958 (8x8) chassis with an armored cab. The KAMAZ-53958 has a payload capacity of up to 24 tons. A 550-horsepower diesel engine can propel the vehicle to 100 km/h on the highway. The vehicle has a range of up to 900 km.
The Pantsir-S1M air defense missile and gun system is equipped with a new AESA radar, expanding its capabilities for detecting and tracking aerial targets. The new radar can track up to 40 targets simultaneously. Compared to previous modifications of the Pantsir, the system's stealth and jamming immunity have been improved, and its firepower has been enhanced. A new 57E6M-E SAM with improved performance is used to engage aerial targets. The Pantsir-S1M's firing range has been increased by 1,5 times, and its protected area has been tripled.
According to information published at the IDEX 2021 International Arms Exhibition, the 57E6M-E anti-aircraft missile has a firing range of 1,2 to 30 km. The engagement altitude ranges from 0,015 to 18 km. The maximum missile speed is 1700 m/s. The average SAM speed at a distance of 30 km is 1100 m/s. The maximum speed of targets hit is 1000 m/s. It is possible to simultaneously engage four targets. The system's reaction time is up to 6 seconds. In addition to the SAM, the armament includes two twin 30-mm 2A38M artillery machine guns with a combined rate of fire of 4500 rounds per minute. The maximum engagement range artillery Armament range: 4000 m. Altitude reach: up to 3000 m. The combat vehicle is equipped with 12 ready-to-use anti-aircraft missiles and 1400 artillery rounds. The combat crew consists of 3 people.
A battery command post typically controls the actions of six combat vehicles. However, judging by the ratio of mobile command posts and firing units, the Royal Air Defense Forces command wants to cover a larger number of targets with a smaller number of Pantsir-S1M air defense missile and gun systems. It is clear that in Saudi Arabia, these systems will primarily be used to protect strategically important targets from attack aircraft. drones.
M1097 Avenger surface-to-air missile system
The Saudi military first encountered the US Army's M1097 Avenger mobile surface-to-air missile systems in 1990. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Saudi Arabia received several batches of Avengers, and by 2010, it had 400 units in service. These mobile SAMs significantly strengthened Saudi Arabia's short-range air defenses.
An M1097 Avenger air defense missile system combat vehicle in a firing position.
The M1097 Avenger air defense system is developed and manufactured by Boeing. It is capable of engaging air targets on a collision course and in pursuit at altitudes of 0,5–3,8 km and ranges of 0,5–5,5 km. The vehicle weighs 4,3 tons in its combat position. Its maximum road speed is 105 km/h. Its cruising range is up to 560 km. It has a crew of two. Despite its relatively small size and weight, the Avenger boasts a high level of automation, fast reaction time, good firepower, and maneuverability. It can operate during both day and night, as well as in adverse weather conditions.
The system's main component is a gyrostabilized platform, which houses a Stinger SAM launcher (two packages of four), optical and thermal imaging target detection and tracking systems, a laser rangefinder, a friend-or-foe identification system, and control, display, and communications systems. The operator's cabin is located in the center of the platform, featuring a transparent screen projecting an aiming point marker. The operator tracks the target visually using an optical sight, or with a thermal imager in poor weather and at night. The system is capable of automatically tracking the target, determining the distance to it, and engaging it while moving at speeds of up to 35 km/h. The operator is also equipped with a receiver unit and display for receiving data from radar detection systems.
The armament includes a remote-controlled 12,7mm M3P machine gun manufactured by the Belgian company Fabrique Nationale Herstal with a rate of fire of 1,100 rounds per minute and a magazine capacity of 200 rounds. The machine gun is mounted on the right side of the platform under the missile container. The heavy machine gun was primarily intended for self-defense of the SAM system against ground enemies. However, due to the proliferation of drones The 12,7mm Browning is currently considered an effective means of combating them.
Currently, Saudi Arabian Avengers, originally designed to provide anti-aircraft cover for ground forces, are deployed around oil and gas facilities, air bases, and radar posts.
MPCV combat vehicles with Mistral-2 anti-aircraft missiles
In February 2011, Saudi Arabia signed a contract for the supply of MPCV (Multi-Purpose Combat Vehicle) combat vehicles equipped with Mistral-2 anti-aircraft missile systems. The lightly armored combat vehicle is built on a Mercedes Unimog 5000 chassis. The contract price was not disclosed. In 2013, the delivery was completed, and the Royal Air Defense Forces accepted 68 mobile systems.
MPCV combat vehicles with Mistral-2 anti-aircraft missiles
The MPCV combat vehicle, weighing approximately 13 tons and capable of reaching speeds of up to 90 km/h on the road, is equipped with a module containing four Mistral-2 missiles stored in launch containers. A 12,7mm machine gun is also provided for self-defense against ground enemies and for firing at air targets. The crew consists of three.
A combat module with Mistral-2 missiles and a 12,7 mm machine gun
The universal combat module can be mounted on any chassis with suitable load capacity. A thermal imager and a high-resolution television camera are used to search for and lock on aerial targets. After acquisition, tracking is performed automatically. A laser rangefinder estimates the distance to the target.
The Mistral-2 anti-aircraft missile, designed with a canard aerodynamic configuration, boasts high maneuverability and high terminal guidance accuracy. The 90mm diameter warhead is protected by a pyramidal fairing, which houses an infrared seeker. This shape has an advantage over a spherical one, as it reduces drag. The seeker uses a mosaic-type receiver, offering excellent detection and acquisition capabilities for targets with a weak thermal signature.
Mistral-2 anti-aircraft missile
Combined with the receiver's cooling system (the coolant cylinder is located outside the TPK), this improves jamming immunity and reduces the probability of locking on to a false target. The seeker is capable of locking on to a jet fighter at a range of up to 7 km, and a helicopter equipped with heat-reduction devices at a distance of up to 4 km on a head-on course. The missile's high-explosive fragmentation warhead with pre-assault elements (tungsten balls) weighs 2,95 kg and is equipped with contact and laser proximity fuses. Reliable destruction of an aerial target is ensured with a miss of up to 1 meter.
The Mistral-2 anti-aircraft system can engage aerial targets at ranges of 500 to 5300 meters and at altitudes of 10 to 3000 meters. The average reaction time (from activation of the launch circuit to missile launch) is approximately 5 seconds without external target designation data, and 3 seconds with such data. The vehicle's air conditioning allows the gunner/operator to remain on duty for extended periods regardless of the outside temperature. Power is supplied by a separate, integrated 5 kW diesel generator when parked.
Initially, combat vehicles armed with Mistral-2 missiles were intended to provide air defense for ground forces. However, they have been repeatedly spotted near airbases.
L3Harris VAMPIRE surface-to-air missile system
Following the widespread use of kamikaze drones, a pressing need for an affordable countermeasure arose. Therefore, the American company L3Harris Technologies developed the VAMPIRE, an extremely affordable, all-purpose anti-UAV missile system, primarily designed for countering UAVs.
L3Harris VAMPIRE air defense missile system
The VAMPIRE air defense system has a modular design, allowing it to be installed on various types of vehicles, including pickup trucks, light trucks, armored vehicles, and landing craft. The manufacturer claims the VAMPIRE air defense system is very cost-effective, assembled from relatively inexpensive, simple, and well-produced components.
The system's main components are mounted on a standard shipping pallet and can be installed on any carrier with suitable load capacity, connected to the vehicle's power grid. L3Harris's promotional materials claim that installation of the VAMPIRE air defense system takes just two hours and is performed by two mechanics.
The basis of the system is a set of equipment that includes missile launchers, optical-electronic guidance systems, and a fire control system.
The LAND-LGR4 launcher, which can be vertically and horizontally guided, is armed with four APKWS-2 (Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System) missiles from BAE Systems, which are capable of engaging targets in the air and on the ground. These missiles are precision-guided munitions based on standard aviation Hydra-70 unguided rocket. The cost of one APKWS-2 rocket is approximately $35,000.
APKWS-2 70mm rocket
The APKWS-2 missile is equipped with a distributed aperture semi-active laser homing system (DASALS). In the event of a direct hit, the warhead is detonated by a contact fuse; in the event of a near miss, by a proximity fuse. The missile's average flight speed is approximately 400 m/s. Its accuracy at a range of 5 km is 0,5 m.
Search for air or ground targets is carried out by the WESCAM MX-10 RSTA optoelectronic system with a tilt-and-turn spherical sensor unit for reconnaissance, surveillance and guidance.
LAND-LGR4 missile launcher and MX-10 RSTA reconnaissance, surveillance and guidance system
Depending on atmospheric transparency, the firing range is 5–7 km. The altitude reach is 2 km. In addition to engaging UAVs, APKWS-2 missiles can be used for precision strikes against personnel and lightly armored vehicles. The MX-10 RSTA system's spherical unit, elevated on a telescopic rod, enables observation and data transmission in real time, improving situational awareness during combat operations.
In early 2026, American L3Harris Technologies and Saudi Arabian Military Industries, a Saudi state defense company, signed an agreement for the joint production of the VAMPIRE air defense system, with key components of the system localized in the kingdom.
FIM-43C Redeye man-portable air defense missile system
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Saudi Arabia purchased up to 500 FIM-43C Redeye MANPADS from the United States. This system entered service with the US Army in 1968 and was manufactured by General Dynamics.
MANPADS FIM-43 Redeye
The FIM-43S man-portable missile system weighs 13,3 kg in its combat position. The missile diameter is 70 mm. The length is 1,400 mm. The SAM launch weight is 8,3 kg. The missile warhead weight is 1,06 kg. The firing range is up to 4,500 m. The altitude reach is 50–2,700 m.
Like the first-generation Soviet Strela-2M MANPADS, the American FIM-43C Redeye could engage aircraft primarily in the rear hemisphere. The optical sight has a narrow field of view, making it difficult to detect fast-moving targets. The IR seeker has poor jamming immunity, making it almost guaranteed that the SAM would be diverted from its intended target course using flares. The battery's lock-on time before launch was short, meaning inexperienced operators were unable to time the interval between detection of an aerial target and missile launch. Despite these shortcomings, the presence of man-portable air defense systems significantly limited the enemy's use of low-altitude air attack weapons.
According to reference data, FIM-43C Redeye MANPADS are still nominally in service in Saudi Arabia. However, it's likely that all of the obsolete man-portable systems are in storage, and there's virtually no chance of them returning to active units. In the past, the Redeye demonstrated some success in Afghanistan and Nicaragua, engaging Soviet-era Mi-8 and Mi-24 helicopters. However, when used against piston-engine attack drones with a relatively low thermal signature, the sensitivity of the IR seeker would be clearly insufficient.
FIM-92 Stinger man-portable air defense missile systems
In 1984, the Royal Air Defence Force began training with the second-generation FIM-92A Stinger MANPADS. Saudi Arabia became one of the first foreign operators of the Stinger. The initial shipment consisted of 100 launchers and 400 anti-aircraft missiles. The sale of these then-most advanced MANPADS was made possible largely by the royal family's funding of the purchase and delivery of the man-portable systems to the Afghan rebels.
MANPADS FIM-92А Stinger
The MANPADS with the FIM-92A missile entered service with the US Army in 1981. This version's IR seeker obtained target position data relative to its optical axis from a signal modulated by a rotating raster. The system weighs 15,7 kg in its combat position. The missile's launch weight is 10,1 kg. The missile's length is 1,500 mm, and its body diameter is 70 mm. The engagement zone is 500–4,750 m at range and 50–3,500 m at altitude.
American and Saudi Arabian service members with FIM-92A Stinger MANPADS
In 1990, on the eve of Operation Desert Storm, the Americans urgently delivered 50 launchers and 200 FIM-92B missiles with a dual-band seeker operating in the infrared and ultraviolet bands with a raster-less coordinator. The FIM-92B missile's homing system ensured stable target tracking in conditions of strong background interference and also selected countermeasures operating in the infrared band.
In the 21st century, Saudi Arabia received small quantities of American MANPADS. These were apparently Stinger RMP Block I missile systems. This modification is equipped with a compact lithium battery, an improved processor and memory unit that records target parameters before missile launch, and a seeker capable of locking on to targets with low thermal signatures and distinguishing them from heat flares, making this system extremely dangerous for aircraft operating at low altitudes. According to reference data, the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces possess approximately 350 Stinger launchers and over 1000 missiles.
In light of recent events, the Royal Air Defence Force (RAF) command believes that its forces are insufficiently equipped with modern MANPADS and mobile short-range air defence systems. Therefore, the possibility of acquiring additional air defence assets from abroad is being considered.
One of the attractive options in terms of price-quality ratio is the Korean Chiron man-portable system (in the South Korean army it has the designation Shingung), produced by LIG Nex1.
In creating this air defense system, the developers borrowed technical solutions from the Russian Igla-1 MANPADS and the French Mistral. Although the Korean system is lighter than the Mistral, virtually all Shingung air defense systems in the South Korean army are designed to be mounted on all-terrain vehicle chassis and utilize twin or quadruple launchers. Launchers removed from vehicles can be deployed on the ground, but are very difficult for crews to transport over significant distances. The maximum range for engaging air targets is 7 km, with an effective range of 500–5,500 m. The ceiling is 3,500 km. For nighttime operations, the Shingung air defense system can be equipped with a thermal imager, with a detection range of 5 km for fighter-type targets.
To be continued ...
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