Saudi Arabia's $83B arms spend amid Houthi strikes

Despite Saudi Arabia's massive military expenditure, which reached $83.2 billion in 2025, the kingdom faced intense Houthi attacks on vital facilities such as Riyadh Airport and Aramco headquarters. Weaknesses in defense systems’ efficiency and the lack of effective early warning contributed to failures in intercepting missiles and drones. Analyses indicate that such hefty budgets do not automatically translate into effective protection due to flaws in defense strategy, poor coordination, and Saudi reliance on foreign support and contractors, alongside weak military industrial localization. Additionally, current operations underscore the need to enhance sustainable deterrence capabilities by developing low-cost defense systems, acquiring technical knowledge independently, and unifying air defense management to prevent recurring vulnerabilities. It is evident that political will and operational efficiency are more crucial for achieving tangible results than merely increasing spending.

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