An official website of the United States Government 
Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov

.gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock ( lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

U.S. Sends Additional Capabilities to Saudi Arabia

You have accessed part of a historical collection on defense.gov. Some of the information contained within may be outdated and links may not function. Please contact the DOD Webmaster with any questions.

In the wake of an Iranian attack on Saudi Arabian oil facilities last month, Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper announced that more capabilities have been authorized to deploy in support of the long-time U.S. partner.

At a Pentagon news conference today, Esper said he authorized the deployment of two fighter squadrons, an air expeditionary wing, two Patriot missile batteries, and a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD, system to Saudi Arabia.

A soldier performs operations on missile launch system.
Patriot Ops
Army Spc. Timothy Jones operates a Patriot missile battery in Southwest Asia, Feb. 8, 2010. The Defense Department announced Oct. 11, 2019, that it will deploy two Patriot missile batteries to Saudi Arabia.
Photo By: Air Force Tech. Sgt. Michelle Larche
VIRIN: 100208-F-ZZ999-011
A missile launches during a test flight.
Interceptor Missile
A Terminal High Altitude Area Defense interceptor missile launches during a flight test at the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site in the Marshall Islands, Aug., 30, 2019. The Missile Defense Agency, Ballistic Missile Defense System Operational Test Agency and soldiers assigned to the 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade conducted the intercept test.
Photo By: Courtesy photo
VIRIN: 190830-D-N7474-004C

This latest show of support involves some 3,000 U.S. personnel, Esper said, adding that ongoing Iranian provocations have resulted in an even larger support effort in the region.

Since May, Esper said, the United States has deployed as many as 14,000 additional U.S. forces to the region, as well as a wide variety of military hardware, including airborne early warning aircraft squadrons, maritime patrol aircraft squadrons, Patriot air and missile defense batteries, B-52 bombers and a carrier strike group.

A large aircraft flies above clouds and the ocean.
Stratofortress Flight
A B-52 Stratofortress bomber flies over the Pacific Ocean near the coast of Brisbane, Australia, July 14, 2019. The B-52 is one piece of military equipment the U.S. Defense Department has deployed to the Middle East in the wake of a September 2019 attack on Saudi Arabian oil facilities.
Photo By: Air Force Senior Airman Elora J. Martinez
VIRIN: 190714-F-DT423-1168

"Today I spoke with the Saudi minister of defense to discuss the status of Saudi Arabia's defensive capabilities and our ongoing efforts to protect our partners from further Iranian aggression," Esper said. "Saudi Arabia is a longstanding security partner in the Middle East and has asked for additional support to supplement their own defenses and defend the international rules-based order."

The defense secretary said the United States remains committed to protecting its allies in the region and its own interests.

"I urge other like-minded countries, especially our allies in Europe, to follow the U.S. lead and join us with their own defensive assets to ensure stability in the region," Esper said.

Two men, one in a suit, and one in a military uniform, stand behind lecterns. The lecterns bear the logo of the U.S. Defense Department.
Addressing Reporters
Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper speaks to reporters during a joint news conference with Army Gen. Mark A. Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, at the Pentagon, Oct. 11, 2019.
Photo By: Army Staff Sgt. Nicole Mejia, DOD
VIRIN: 191011-D-AP390-1233

While Esper said the Iranians continue to deny the attack on Saudi oil facilities, evidence recovered so far proves their involvement. Additionally, he said, he’s continued to hear concerns from partners and allies in the region about continued Iranian behavior.

"There are things we pick up, if you will, through intelligence that we thought it was important to continue to deploy forces to deter and defend, and to send the message to the Iranians: do not strike another sovereign state, do not threaten American interests, American forces, or we will respond," he said. "I've said time and time again, do not mistake our restraint for weakness. If you will, you will regret that."

Related Stories