Exclusive-Saudi missile plant expansion may produce more powerful missiles, study says

AI Summary

A study of commercial satellite imagery suggests Saudi Arabia is expanding a ballistic missile factory to produce larger solid-fuel missiles with greater range or payload capacity. Researchers say the expansion could strengthen Saudi deterrence against Iran and its military position amid conflict with Yemen's Houthi fighters.

By Jonathan Landay WASHINGTON, Oct 23 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia appears to be expanding its ballistic missile factory to build larger solid-fuel missiles that could fly farther or carry heavier payloads, according to two US researchers who analyzed more than a year of commercial satellite images. More capable missiles could help Saudi Arabia to deter attacks by Iran and make its military more self-reliant, while possibly strengthening itsposition in a deadly conflict with Yemen's Tehran-backed Houthi fighters.