On January 11, the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces intercepted a “ballistic” missile launched by the Houthis with the MIM-104 Patriot air defense system over the southwestern city of Najran, according to the UAE-based al-Arabiya TV.
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A video released by local Saudi activists shows that the missile was successfully intercepted with two Patriot missiles.
From its side, the Houthis media wing confirmed that the Houthis launched a “Qaher-M2” missile at a military base of the Saudi Special Forces around Najran. The main target of the missile was a field airport inside the military base that’s usually used by Saudi Apache helicopters, according to the source.
The Qaher-M2 is a Soviet-made S-75 surface-to-air missile that had been modified by the Houthis into a surface-to-surface missile, likely with help from Iranian experts. According to the Houthis’ claims, the modified missile has a range of up to 400km and the circular error probable (CEP) of 5-10meters.
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The Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces intercepted a similar missile over Najran city on January 4. This confirms that unlike real ballistic missiles, these modified S-75 missiles are easy to be intercept with the Patriot air defense system.
It’s one of the rare instances where Saudis back their claim. It is welcomed.
400KM is very, very long range for a modified SAM. If that’s true, they must’ve reduced the warhead’s size considerably, to the point that perhaps it can’t inflict much damage even if it hits the target.
On the bright side, perhaps Yemenis plan to bankrupt Saudis with these attacks. Everytime they fire such “ballistic” missiles, Saudis are going to waste a lot of money to intercept them! :))
That reminds me of the UDSSR in Afgahnistan! Just the other way around.
400KM is very, very long range for a modified SAM
perhaps it can’t inflict much damage even if it hits the target.
Then maybe they should use a few more of these to fool the Patriot air defense system and launch the real thing after?
“Saudis are going to waste a lot of money to intercept them” Looks like you are right: “An undisclosed member of the 14-nation group that own the combat-proven Patriot Integrated Air and Missile Defense System has awarded Raytheon Company a direct commercial sales contract worth more than $1.5 billion for additional capability. The contract was awarded on Jan 4, 2018…….. rumor has it that this is Saudi Arabia’s second such order.” http://www.defense-aerospace.com/article-view/release/189782/raytheon-wins-%241.5bn-patriot-order.html
2 for 1. Iron dome failed after shooting around 4 Missiles at a drone. What are the chances iron dome prevails the possibilities of Hezbollah barrage of missiles? What are the chances their citizens remain strong under war condition?
How do we know it was “successfully intercepted”. You certainly can’t see anything in the released video that confirms a “successful interception”.
Houthis should find a way to attack the Saudi coastal desalination plants. Knock these out….the Old King/Queen oil fields under water injection could collapse. End of House of Saud. Hopefully Iran does….. when Empire comes for them.
houthis need to be firing many missiles at once!!! to overwhelm the patriots!!!!
Yes! and then launch the more powerful missiles after!
YES!!! perfect strategy!!
Despite claims of an Iranian expert helping them with the missile in this article seems dishonest since there are enough experts in Yemen without needing any outside help. This is all just propaganda for the KSA blaming Iran, shame on (Holland )South Front to blithely pander to the west.
They should convert more missiles and coordinate their launches. 2 at a time, 3 at a time etc.
Saudi Arabia, will disappear as a kingdom in a few years. Their finances are not sustainable. They will have to sell their oil fields to keep going for a few more years.
That is exactly what they are having to do – they are intending to launch stock market IPO to sell percentage of shares in state owned Aramco. Their oil company – that has in past been referred to as the most valuable company in world. However, as is state company without trading past its market valuation estimates are wildly differing depending on the source – but all are in the trillions – though there may be accountability issues with overstated long term oil reserves.