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Statement

Statement | Sept. 27, 2019

DOD Statement on Deployment of U.S. Forces and Equipment to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Department of Defense

Attributed to Chief Pentagon Spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman:

"In light of recent attacks on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and at their invitation, Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper announced today that the U.S. would deploy the following equipment to the kingdom:

  • One Patriot Battery
  • Four Sentinel RADARs 
  • Approximately 200 support personnel 

This deployment will augment the kingdom's air and missile defense of critical military and civilian infrastructure. This deployment augments an already significant presence of U.S. forces in the region.  

The Secretary has also approved putting additional forces on Prepare To Deploy Orders (PTDO).  While no decision has been made to deploy these additional forces, they will maintain a heightened state of readiness.

These forces include:

  • Two Patriot Batteries 
  • One Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system (THAAD) 

It is important to note these steps are a demonstration of our commitment to regional partners, and the security and stability in the Middle East. This follows the Secretary and Chairman's extensive outreach to partners in the region, and around the globe. 

Other countries have called out Iranian misadventures in the region, and we look for them to contribute assets in an international effort to reinforce Saudi Arabia's defense."