Saudi Arabia deploys air defence systems to protect holy sites ahead of Hajj

WEB DESK: The Saudi Ministry of Defence has released dramatic footage showing the strategic deployment of advanced air defence missile systems near Islamic holy sites, as the Kingdom mounts a massive security operation for the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

The video, published on the ministry's official media channels, showcases the readiness of the Royal Saudi Air Defence Forces as they secure the skies over Makkah and Madinah, according to Gulf News.

Officials confirmed that the deployment forms part of an "integrated readiness system" explicitly tasked with intercepting any potential aerial threats to ensure the safety and peace of mind of millions of arriving worshippers.

Multi-Layered Shield Over Makkah

The defensive ring erected around the holy sites represents one of the most sophisticated point-defence architectures ever deployed for a civilian gathering. Military personnel are operating a layered missile shield designed to track and neutralise a spectrum of airborne risks.

Alongside the missile batteries, the Royal Saudi Air Force has established around-the-clock airspace monitoring and air traffic management.

Fixed-wing aircraft and dedicated emergency surveillance teams have been integrated into the command structure to feed real-time intelligence to ground controllers, establishing an unblinking eye over the central pilgrimage corridors.

High-Tech Vigilance and Ground Support

The security framework extends well beyond conventional anti-aircraft hardware, blending frontline military power with cutting-edge artificial intelligence.

Saudi authorities are using a fleet of surveillance drones equipped with thermal imaging and high-resolution cameras to monitor the vast crowds, manage movement bottlenecks, and prevent unauthorized entry into the holy sites.

On the ground, specialized units from the Land Forces including Special Military Police and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) defence teams have taken up positions around the perimeter of the Grand Mosque.

These units are tasked with crowd control, hazardous material detection, and rapid-response emergency handling.

Supported by naval forces securing regional seaports, the multi-branch operation aims to guarantee a seamless and secure environment as the global Muslim community gathers for the sacred rites.

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