Saudi Arabian MoD has held discussions with Russia over possible purchase of S-400 and Pantsir-S air defense systems as U.S. supplied air defense systems have been largely ineffective against Yemeni missiles and drones fired at Saudi targets.
“It was not a bluff, indeed, contacts were made, and the issue was discussed. There is always a chance,” Vyacheslav Dzirkaln, deputy general director for foreign economic activity of the Almaz-Antey VKO concern, told Interfax when asked if Saudi Arabia was considering Russian-made missile systems.
In 2019, a devastating drone-missile attack on Saudi Arabia’s ARAMCO oil facility temporarily reduced 5% of global oil supply and sent its prices spiraling upwards. There have also been repeated drone and missile attacks on Saudi Arabia’s airports like Abha International Airport and King Abdullah Airport.