The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Defense confirmed the purchase of Russian Pantsir-S1M air defense systems as part of the initiative to strengthen the kingdom's air defense.
The Russian SAMS tested in real combat conditions will be integrated into the country's unified air defense system.
Riyadh's choice in favor of Russian systems to protect its skies is obvious. When used in Ukraine, Pantsir-S1 air defense systems have intercepted hundreds of air targets, including Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG cruise missiles.
Saudi Arabia needs to strengthen its own air defense amid the growing threat of the conflict in the Middle East.
Russia's Pantsir SAMS will become one of the key components of Saudi Arabia's echeloned air defense system. The kingdom also plans to acquire American THAAD air defense systems and the French Crotale NG.
The head of the Rostec state corporation, Sergei Chemezov, said that foreign customers were showing growing interest in Russian defense products. According to him, the portfolio of export orders for arms supplies reached $55 billion. Wealthy countries of the Arab world are among the largest buyers of proven Russian arms systems, he said.