WASHINGTON: Saudi Arabia appears to be expanding its al-Duwadimi missile plant to support larger solid-fuel missiles, according to two US researchers.
Sam Lair and Michael Duitsman of the Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) analysed more than a year of commercial satellite images.
Planet Labs captured the images between April 2025 and September. Researchers identified a new building containing what they assess to be missile-motor casting pits.
The structure is at least twice as large as the building believed to contain the existing pits. A second new building could store fuel ingredients or finished missile parts, the researchers said.
The imagery suggests the expansion could support missiles with heavier payloads or longer ranges. Lair said the site may eventually produce a longer-range DF-21 or a similar missile.
He described that assessment as likely rather than confirmed. Other defense analysts who reviewed the findings broadly agreed that the work could expand Saudi production capacity.
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Construction began in April 2025, according to FPRI. Images from September showed part of the new roof still unfinished.
Researchers also identified heavy blast walls beside the suspected casting building. FPRI said equipment installation could take several months.
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The upgraded facility could become ready for production by the end of the year. The Saudi embassy and Information Ministry did not respond to Reuters requests for comment.
Researchers say satellite images show Saudi Arabia expanding its al-Duwadimi missile complex in ways that could support larger solid-fuel missiles.
