Saudi Arabia Military Forces 🇸🇦

Strategic Position

Saudi Arabia’s defense posture is defined by its geographical position between the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf, necessitating the protection of critical energy infrastructure and global maritime chokepoints, specifically the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Strait of Hormuz. The primary security concern remains the regional influence of Iran and its network of non-state proxies, particularly regarding ballistic missile and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) threats. While a diplomatic rapprochement with Tehran was initiated, the Kingdom maintains a posture of conventional deterrence.

The Kingdom is a founding member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC). It maintains a long-standing bilateral security partnership with the United States, which includes extensive training programs and the stationing of personnel. Defense cooperation is also maintained with the United Kingdom through the Al-Yamamah and Al-Salam programs, and with France and Spain for naval and aerospace systems. In 2025 and 2026, the Kingdom expanded its defense ties with China and Pakistan, focusing on missile technology and potential combat aircraft procurement.

Military Forces

The Saudi Arabian Armed Forces are organized under the Ministry of Defense, which oversees five service branches: the Royal Saudi Land Forces (RSLF), Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF), Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF), Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces (RSADF), and the Royal Saudi Strategic Missile Force (RSSMF). The Royal Saudi National Guard (SANG) remains a separate entity reporting directly to the King, focused on internal security and the protection of the royal family. Total active personnel are estimated at approximately 250,000, with an additional 100,000 in the National Guard.

The RSLF operates M1A2S Abrams, M60A3, and AMX-30 main battle tanks. Mechanized units utilize M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles and M113 armored personnel carriers. The RSAF maintains a fleet of F-15 (C, D, S, and SA variants), Eurofighter Typhoon, and Panavia Tornado IDS multirole fighters. Support assets include A330 MRTT aerial tankers and E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft. In 2026, the RSAF continued evaluations for fifth-generation platforms and potential multi-sourced acquisitions of Rafale or JF-17 aircraft.

The RSNF is divided into the Western Fleet (Red Sea) and the Eastern Fleet (Persian Gulf). Major surface combatants include Al Riyadh-class and Al Madinah-class frigates, and the Al Jubail-class (Avante 2200) corvettes. The RSSMF operates Chinese-origin DF-3 and DF-21 intermediate-range ballistic missiles, with evidence of domestic solid-propellant motor production facilities. Integrated air defense is managed by the RSADF, which utilizes MIM-104 Patriot and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) systems.

Defense Industry

The Saudi defense industry is regulated by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), while Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) serves as the primary state-owned commercial entity. Under the Vision 2030 framework, the government aims to localize 50% of its military expenditure by 2030. As of 2025, localization rates were reported at approximately 19%.

The Land Systems Industrial Complex in Al-Kharj, spanning one million square meters, is scheduled to be fully operational in early 2026. This facility focuses on the assembly and maintenance of armored vehicles and artillery systems. Domestic products include the Al-Shibl and Al-Masmak armored vehicles and the Saker series of UAVs. SAMI maintains joint ventures with Lockheed Martin for missile defense integration, Navantia for naval vessel construction and maintenance, and Boeing for aerospace sustainment. In 2025, SAMI launched its first domestically developed combat management system for naval platforms.

Strategic Trends

The defense budget for 2026 is projected at approximately $78-$80 billion, representing roughly 7.3% of GDP. This reflects a shift from active involvement in external conflicts toward a posture of domestic deterrence and industrial self-sufficiency. A major leadership reshuffle in August 2025 within the Ministry of Defense was aimed at accelerating the "Transformation Program," which seeks to improve joint-force interoperability and centralize command structures.

Procurement priorities are focused on Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) to counter asymmetric threats to energy facilities, such as those operated by Saudi Aramco. The 2026 energy defense strategy specifically emphasizes maritime surveillance and cybersecurity for export infrastructure. Challenges include the technical complexity of integrating equipment from diverse international suppliers and the ongoing requirement for specialized training to transition the workforce from foreign-led maintenance to indigenous technical management.