Saudi Arabia maintains one of the world's most densely armed and best-funded militaries.
In short: Once a small force reliant on foreign expertise, the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces have transformed into a global military powerhouse. Driven by regional strategic concerns and massive defense budgets, the Kingdom now stands as one of the world's largest arms importers, operating a high-technology arsenal built primarily by Western powers.
The institutionalization of the Saudi military began in the 1940s, initially struggling with recruitment and foreign training programs that failed to meet early objectives. For decades, the Kingdom maintained a relatively small military, wary that a powerful army could pose an internal threat to the monarchy. This caution was reinforced by the 1950s coups in Egypt and Iraq, where expanded post-colonial armies overthrew their respective monarchs. Consequently, growth remained slow until the early 2010s, when an unprecedented expansion began under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Today, the Saudi military is among the best-funded globally, with defense spending reaching approximately $67 billion by 2013. This investment has created a dense, high-technology force structure comprising the Land Forces, Royal Navy, Air Force, Air Defense, and the Strategic Missile Force. The arsenal is heavily reliant on imports from the United States, Britain, and France. Notably, Saudi Arabia became the world's second-largest arms importer between 2010 and 2014, receiving four times the volume of major arms compared to the previous five-year period.
While the military remains dependent on foreign hardware, the Kingdom has increasingly sought to develop domestic production capabilities. Companies like the Abdallah Al Faris Company for Heavy Industries have manufactured armored vehicles such as the Al-Fahd and Al-Masmak, and the Saudi Arabian Military Industries has pursued local production agreements for missile and rocket systems. Despite this modernization, the force has faced historical challenges, including chronic under-strength units and difficulties in retaining experienced technicians. Recent policy shifts have also expanded the military's reach, including the 2019 decision to allow women to serve in the armed forces, marking a significant departure from their previous roles restricted to police work.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Saudi Arabian Armed Forces
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