Saudi Arabia is actively manufacturing its own ballistic missiles with the help of China, according to United States intelligence assessments and satellite imagery obtained by CNN. Three individuals acquainted with the most recent intelligence report that the kingdom previously bought its ballistic missiles from China but was previously incapable of constructing them independently—a capability it has now acquired.
Classified Intelligence Briefings Reveal Large-Scale Technology Transfers
Two individuals with knowledge of the evaluations state that US intelligence services and White House personnel, such as the National Security Council, have recently received briefings on classified data documenting several substantial shipments of delicate ballistic missile components and knowledge from China to Saudi Arabia. Satellite imagery obtained by CNN suggests that the kingdom is currently manufacturing the weapons in at least one location. CNN first reported in 2019 that US intelligence agencies were aware that Saudi Arabia was collaborating with China to advance its ballistic missile program.
Regional Power Dynamics and Nuclear Negotiations with Iran
The domestic production of ballistic missiles by Saudi Arabia complicates broader diplomatic efforts by the United States, Europe, Israel, and Gulf countries to curb regional missile proliferation. Specifically, the development could complicate efforts to expand the terms of a nuclear deal with Iran—Saudi Arabia’s top regional rival—to include restraints on its own missile technology. Weapons expert and professor at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies Jeffrey Lewis noted to CNN that because Iran and Saudi Arabia are bitter enemies, Tehran is unlikely to agree to stop making ballistic missiles if Saudi Arabia has begun manufacturing its own.
“While significant attention has been focused on Iran’s large ballistic missile program, Saudi Arabia’s development and now production of ballistic missiles has not received the same level of scrutiny,” Jeffrey Lewis told CNN.
Lewis further remarked that any diplomatic initiatives aimed at regulating missile spread must necessarily encompass other local players, such as Israel and Saudi Arabia, which manufacture their own ballistic systems.
Diplomatic and Regulatory Responses
The Biden administration faces diplomatic considerations in formulating a response, as it seeks to reengage Beijing on several other high-priority policy issues, including climate, trade and the pandemic. A senior administration official told CNN that “It’s all a matter of calibration.” Meanwhile, the National Security Council and CIA declined to comment.
Responding to inquiries regarding recent transfers of sensitive ballistic missile technology, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs told CNN in a statement that the two countries are “comprehensive strategic partners” and “have maintained friendly cooperation in all fields, including in the field of military trade.” The spokesperson stated that such cooperation does not violate any international law and does not involve the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The Saudi Government and embassy in Washington did not respond to CNN‘s request for comment.
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