
Defense spending by Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, particularly Saudi Arabia, has seen consistent growth driven by regional threats and shifting global dynamics. In 2024, Saudi Arabia allocated $75.8 billion to defense, representing 3.1 percent of global military expenditure, which now totals $2.44 trillion. According to Ahmed bin Abdul Aziz Al-Ohali, governor of the General Authority for Military Industries, this defense investment has grown annually by 4.5 percent since 1960, underscoring the Kingdom’s commitment to bolstering its military capabilities.
Saudi Arabia’s defense spending is rooted in a complex geopolitical environment marked by internal security concerns and external threats. Chief among these is the growing influence of Iran, whose military ambitions and regional activities have consistently fueled Riyadh’s strategic anxieties. Iran’s support for proxy groups such as Hezbollah and the Houthis in Yemen, coupled with its expanding missile and drone capabilities, poses a persistent security challenge. The ongoing Yemeni conflict underscores the immediacy of this threat, with Houthi rebels frequently targeting Saudi cities and critical infrastructure. Additionally, concerns about extremist groups such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda necessitate a strong military posture to maintain internal stability and counter terrorism effectively.
Broader geopolitical rivalries also compel Saudi Arabia to maintain robust defense capabilities. The competition between major powers, including the United States, Russia, and China, for influence in the Gulf region further drives Riyadh’s investment in military technology and advanced weaponry. As a leading GCC state, Saudi Arabia seeks to assert itself as a dominant regional power and ensure security guarantees in an increasingly uncertain global landscape.
The United States has historically been Saudi Arabia’s primary defense supplier, providing sophisticated weaponry and technological support. Defense giants such as Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Raytheon have played critical roles in equipping the Kingdom’s armed forces. During former President Donald Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia in 2017, a monumental $400 billion agreement was signed. Of this, $110 billion was allocated for immediate military purchases, while the remainder was spread across subsequent years. This landmark deal included advanced fighter jets, missile defense systems, and cybersecurity solutions, marking one of the largest arms agreements in history.
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has diversified its defense suppliers to reduce dependency on the United States. European companies such as BAE Systems and Dassault Aviation have secured lucrative contracts, while emerging players like China and Turkey have provided advanced drone technology and other critical equipment. This diversification aligns with Riyadh’s long-term vision to strengthen its indigenous defense industry and enhance self-sufficiency. The Saudi Vision 2030 initiative aims to localize 50 percent of military equipment production by 2030, a goal that has seen significant progress with the establishment of the General Authority for Military Industries.
Saudi Arabia’s military strength is formidable by regional standards and comprises several branches, including the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Strategic Missile Force. The Saudi Army, the largest component, consists of approximately 225,000 active personnel and is equipped with a wide array of advanced weaponry, including American-made M1 Abrams tanks and French AMX-30s.
The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) plays a pivotal role in defending Saudi airspace and conducting offensive operations in regional conflicts. With a personnel strength of over 20,000, the RSAF operates more than 300 combat aircraft, including advanced fighter jets such as the F-15 Eagle, Eurofighter Typhoon, and Panavia Tornado. Recent modernization efforts have prioritized enhancing precision-strike capabilities and strengthening air defense systems to counter aerial threats, particularly from Iran and the Houthi rebels in Yemen.
The Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) have traditionally received less emphasis but have seen significant investments in recent years. With around 13,500 personnel, the Navy operates a fleet of frigates, corvettes, and patrol vessels, including advanced Western-made ships. The focus on maritime security has intensified due to the strategic importance of safeguarding shipping routes in the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. Saudi Arabia’s maritime investments aim at countering potential threats from Iran and ensuring the protection of vital economic and energy interests.
Missile defense is another critical component of the Kingdom’s military strategy. Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in advanced missile defense systems, including American-made Patriot missile batteries and the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system. These systems are essential for defending against missile and drone attacks, which have become increasingly frequent in the context of the Yemeni conflict.
Despite its impressive capabilities, the Saudi military faces several challenges. The Kingdom’s reliance on foreign advisors and contractors highlights a gap in local expertise and operational self-sufficiency. However, efforts are underway to address these challenges through increased training programs and investments in domestic defense production. The Vision 2030 initiative plays a central role in these efforts, focusing on fostering a robust local defense industry and reducing dependence on external suppliers.
Regional defense experts have noted that Saudi Arabia’s defense spending is not merely about countering immediate threats but also about maintaining its strategic influence and leadership within the GCC and the broader Arab world. Joint military exercises and intelligence-sharing among GCC states enhance collective security and operational readiness, with Saudi Arabia often taking the lead in defense-related initiatives.
The GCC states have long been among the world’s top spenders on defense, driven by regional instability, geopolitical rivalries, and the need to secure vast energy resources. Collectively, their defense budgets reflect a broader trend in the Middle East, where nations increasingly prioritize military modernization to address both traditional and emerging threats.
Saudi Arabia’s substantial defense budget is driven by a combination of internal and external factors. Internally, the Kingdom is undergoing a transformative phase under Vision 2030, an ambitious plan to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on oil revenues. A key component of this vision is the development of a domestic defense industry aimed at localizing 50 percent of military spending by 2030. This initiative, led by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), seeks to enhance self-sufficiency, create jobs, and position Saudi Arabia as a regional hub for defense manufacturing.
One of Saudi Arabia’s primary perceived threats is Iran, a regional rival with which it has long-standing geopolitical and sectarian tensions. Iran’s support for proxy groups such as the Houthis in Yemen, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and various Shiite militias in Iraq and Syria has heightened Saudi Arabia’s sense of vulnerability. The Houthi insurgency in Yemen, in particular, has drawn Saudi Arabia into a protracted conflict, necessitating significant military expenditure. Additionally, Iran’s ballistic missile program and its influence over key strategic waterways, such as the Strait of Hormuz, pose direct challenges to Saudi Arabia’s security and economic interests.
Another potential threat is the rise of non-state actors and terrorist organizations, such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda, which have exploited regional instability to establish footholds in conflict zones. While the immediate threat from these groups has diminished in recent years, their resurgence remains a concern for Saudi Arabia and its GCC allies. Furthermore, the Kingdom’s rivalry with Qatar, though partially resolved through the Al-Ula Declaration in 2021, has historically contributed to regional tensions and underscored the need for robust defense capabilities.
The implications of Saudi Arabia’s defense spending extend beyond the Middle East, influencing global arms markets and geopolitical dynamics. The Kingdom’s procurement of advanced weaponry has bolstered the defense industries of its suppliers, creating jobs and driving innovation in countries such as the United States and France. At the same time, it has raised concerns about the proliferation of sophisticated military technologies and their potential use in regional conflicts. The international community has called for greater transparency and accountability in arms sales, particularly in light of the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, where Saudi-led coalition operations have drawn widespread criticism.
In conclusion, Saudi Arabia’s defense spending reflects its strategic priorities and the complex security environment in which it operates. The Kingdom’s efforts to modernize its military and develop a domestic defense industry are driven by a combination of internal ambitions and external threats, particularly from Iran and non-state actors. While its military strength is impressive, challenges remain in terms of operational readiness and self-sufficiency. The GCC’s collective defense spending underscores the region’s commitment to securing its interests, but it also raises questions about the long-term sustainability of such expenditures. As the Middle East continues to evolve, the role of military power in shaping its future will remain a critical issue for policymakers and analysts alike.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.