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Saudi Arabia's New Missile Force

(Institute for National Security Studies-Tel Aviv) Yiftah Shapir and Yoel Guzansky - According to a recent article in Newsweek, in 2007 Saudi Arabia began to purchase CSS-5 (DF-21) ground-to-ground missiles from China. The Americans knew about the Saudi-Chinese deal and were involved in it. The Dong Feng 21 missile (East Wind 21) is a two-stage ballistic missile that uses solid fuel, which shortens the launch preparation time. It has a range of 1,700 km. and can carry a load of 600 kg. Moreover, the British reportedly sold the Saudis Storm Shadow cruise missiles as part of the Saudi program to upgrade its Tornado jets. The missile has a range of 500 km. The Saudis' motivation in purchasing the missiles is Iran's progress in its missile program and the growth and improvement in its ground-to-ground missile arsenal.
2014-02-25 00:00:00
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