Saudi Arabia has a long history of warfare and has been one of the world’s major oil and energy producers for decades. With the modern day primacy of oil and gas and the recent increased reliance upon military operations to protect both domestic and foreign interests, defense spending in the region has continued to increase. This has led to questions regarding the strength and capabilities of the Saudi Arabian military. Is the kingdom’s defense spending commensurate with the perceived threat of hostile forces within and outside the region? Are the resources provided to the Saudi military sufficient to meet regional threats? To accurately assess the power of the Saudi military, it is essential to look beyond raw spending numbers and to examine the infrastructure, training, and capabilities of the kingdom’s armed forces.
Overview of Saudi Arabia’s Military
Historically, the territorial boundaries of Saudi Arabia have been defended against invasions and military aggression by a combination of tribal forces and foreign allies. Consequently, the armed forces of the kingdom are not as unified and organized as military establishments in other countries. There is a unified Ministry of Defense and Aviation, but the individual branches of the Saudi military are structured and funded separately. Despite this fragmented approach, Saudi Arabia has experienced significant recent growth in both the size and capabilities of its ground forces. Current estimates place the total strength of the Saudi army at approximately 200,000 personnel, divided between elite special forces and special operations units, infantry, armor, artillery, engineer, and aviation units.
Weaponry
The Royal Saudi Air Force is considered one of the most advanced in the region, with an inventory that includes some of the world’s most advanced fighters, bombers, transport planes, and attack helicopters. To bolster its aerial capabilities, Saudi Arabia has become one of the world’s largest importers of fighter aircraft, having purchased more than one hundred American, French, and British aircraft in the last decade. When it comes to the kingdom’s ground forces, equipment is much more diverse, with the military relying on both domestic and foreign suppliers such as the United States, Canada, France, and numerous other countries. Saudi Arabia has also invested heavily in armored vehicles and artillery, with an inventory that includes the M1A2 Abrams main battle tank, M109 self-propelled howitzers, Stryker armoured personnel carriers, and the French Leclerc main battle tank.
Defensive Strategies
Saudi Arabia has also invested heavily in defensive infrastructure. To counter the threat of missile strikes, the kingdom has erected an extensive network of air defense systems throughout the region. This includes radar stations, surface-to-air missile batteries, and an extensive communications network. Additionally, Saudi Arabia has been modernizing its border patrols with the help of both the US and the UAE. To further bolster their coastal defenses, the Saudis are currently in the process of constructing a series of underwater counter-terrorism barriers which will help to limit the ability of enemy submarines to infiltrate the kingdom’s waters.
International Cooperation
Saudi Arabia also relies heavily on international defense cooperation. The kingdom has been a part of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) since the early 1980s, and the GCC has served as a cornerstone of Saudi defense strategy ever since. Through joint military exercises and defense coordination, the GCC has provided a strong regional defense shield for Saudi Arabia and the rest of the member countries. Additionally, Saudi Arabia is a part of the United States-led Operation Enduring Freedom which is aimed at combating terrorism in the region. Similarly, the Saudis are an important part of the Saudi-led Operation Restoring Hope which is focused on stabilizing Yemen. Saudi Arabia has also increased its cooperation with other regional powers such as Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, and Pakistan. Through these partnerships, the kingdom has been able to share training, intelligence, and other resources.
Analysis and Insights
Overall, Saudi Arabia has a powerful and well-equipped military. However, raw spending figures or the capabilities of individual branches of the military do not fully capture the effectiveness of the kingdom’s defense strategies. The Saudis understand the importance of international cooperation and have embraced this concept to ensure the defense of the kingdom and its interests in the region. Additionally, the kingdom’s emphasis on defensive infrastructure such as air defense systems and coastal barriers provide an additional layer of security and helps to deter potential enemies.
Training
In terms of capability, the Saudi military has taken significant steps to modernize and upgrade its training programs. Since the beginning of the 21st century, the Saudi military has increased its spending on educational programs and combat training exercises within the kingdom and abroad. This includes training with US and NATO military personnel, as well as joint exercises with the troops of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Through these efforts, Saudi forces have become more proficient in the use of modern military equipment and are now better prepared for regional security challenges.
The Royal Saudi Navy has also seen significant growth in recent years. This includes the procurement of four American-built littoral warships and four British-built corvettes. Additionally, Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in its submarine force, having acquired a significant number of diesel submarines from Germany and South Korea. The navy has also increased its presence in the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, and Arabian Sea, with the force now capable of responding to a variety of regional threats.
Weaponry and Missile Defense Systems
In terms of weaponry, the kingdom has access to some of the most advanced weapons systems in the world. This includes a significant number of ballistic and cruise missiles, aircraft, tanks, artillery pieces, and even nuclear weapons. Additionally, the kingdom has developed an extensive missile defense system to counter the threat of enemy missile strikes. This includes surface-to-air missiles, radar systems, and advanced communications networks.
Military Spending
Overall, Saudi Arabia has one of the highest defense expenditures in the world. For the past decade, the kingdom has consistently maintained one of the highest defense budget-to-GDP ratios, with an estimated expenditure of approximately 10% of the country’s total GDP. This has allowed the Saudis to invest heavily in modernizing and upgrading its defense capabilities.
Advisory Help
The Saudi government has also sought foreign advisory help in order to ensure that its defense infrastructure is up-to-date and that its military forces are able to maintain an appropriate level of readiness. In particular, the kingdom has relied heavily on US military expertise, with the Pentagon serving as a key source of advice and assistance. Additionally, Saudi Arabia has established a number of advisory committees with other countries in the region as well as with the United Nations. Through these efforts, the kingdom has increased its military capabilities and improved its defense strategies.
Technology and Cooperation
Saudi Arabia continues to invest heavily in technology as well as international cooperation. The kingdom is continuously introducing new weapons and communications systems with the help of foreign suppliers. Additionally, Saudi Arabia is enhancing its strategic partnerships with other countries in the region, with the goal of preventing the escalation of regional conflicts and protecting the nation’s interests. Through these efforts, the Saudis are ensuring that their military is well-equipped to face the challenges of the modern era.
