Is Saudi Arabia expanding its ballistic missile programme?

Saudi Arabia is believed to be expanding its Chinese-designed ballistic missile arsenal as it faces an unprecedented barrage of missile and drone attacks from Yemen's Houthi rebels.

Satellite imagery analysed by American researchers suggests the kingdom is expanding its ballistic missile plant at al-Duwadimi in Riyadh Province to build larger solid-fuel missiles capable of carrying heavier payloads across greater distances.

Fighting between the kingdom and the Iran-aligned Yemeni group has intensified since July, shattering a UN-brokered truce that had largely held since 2022.

The Houthis have stepped up missile and drone attacks on Saudi cities, airports and energy infrastructure, retaliating for what they call a Saudi "blockade" of ports and airports in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.