Saudi Arabia publicly displayed its Dong Feng-3 (DF-3) ballistic missiles for the first time in a 29 April 2014 on a parade that marked the end of the largest ever military exercise held in the kingdom. The military exercise and official display of the ballistic missiles, which were acquired secretly from China in 1987 were clear signals Riyadh is directing to both Washington, Tehran and Baghdad. Riyadh acquired the missiles from China during the height of the 'city war' phase of the Iran-Iraq, after Washington refused selling short range ballistic missiles to the kingdom.
According to press reports Since 2007 Saudi-Arabia has augmented or replaced the DF-3 (CSS-2) with more accurate, solid fuleled DF-21 (CSS-5) ballistic missiles that are stored in ready to launch canisters, moving on all-terrain transporters. The missile's range is 1,646 miles (2,650 km) and its payload weight is around two tons.
The Saudi Arabian strategic missile force currently operates ballistic missiles located at least in three bases south and west south west of Riyadh.
| That's a little far away from Iran... |
Although an old and relatively inefficient missile, Dong Feng-3 (CSS-2) is considered the biggest and most potent ballistic missile currently operational in the Middle East. The Chinese built missile was developed to carry nuclear warhead, although China has provided the US guarantees that the missiles delivered to Saudi Arabia were modified to carry only conventional warheads.
| They changed the fittings? |
Although an old and relatively inefficient missile, Dong Feng-3 (CSS-2) is considered the biggest and most potent ballistic missile currently operational in the Middle East. The Chinese built missile was developed to carry nuclear warhead, although China has provided the US guarantees that the missiles delivered to Saudi Arabia were modified to carry only conventional warheads. The missile's range is 1,646 miles (2,650 km) and its payload weight is around two tons.
According to the Saudi media, the exercise, code-named Abdullah's Shield, involved Saudi troops. The manoeuvres were held in the kingdom's Eastern province at King Khaled Military City, in Hafr al-Batin, facing Iran and Iraq, and were timed to coincide with the ninth anniversary of King Abdullah's ascension to the throne. A preeminent guest at the exercise and parade was Gen. Raheel Sharif, the Pakistani chief of Army Staff According to persistent rumours spreading in the Arab media, Pakistan has helped Saudi Arabia to equip some of its ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads.