Learn about the military force of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from the ground, air and sea forces to air defense and strategic missiles, and Vision 2030 projects to develop the local defense industry and promote regional security.
Arab Defense website – September 8, 2025: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia occupies a prominent position among the armies of the world, as it is classified by the indicators of “Global Firepower Index” among the 25 most powerful international army. This reflects the volume of huge military spending, the continuous development of defense equipment and capabilities, in addition to the leading local projects within the 2030 Vision.
Saudi Arabia is one of the world’s largest weapons importers, with an advanced arsenal that includes F-15 fighters and US Batriot air defense systems, along with Didgori Medevac, and advanced local projects to develop defense industries. The Kingdom also expressed interest in taking advantage of modern Turkish technologies such as Kaan’s “Kan” fighter, as part of its endeavor to modernize its weather and enhance national capabilities.
At the regional level, Saudi Arabia plays a pivotal role in maintaining security and stability, especially through its participation in military operations against armed groups in Yemen, as part of an alliance that includes several countries, to ensure the protection of vital marine corridors and support regional stability. The Kingdom is also working to develop its defensive system to face any possible threats, including modern missile and technology capabilities.
The Saudi armed forces consist of five main branches: ground forces, naval, air, air defense, and strategic missile power, in addition to the National Guard that focuses on protecting vital installations and supporting internal security. The number of active military personnel is about 225,000, with additional reserves for the National Guard, up to 125,000.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has an advanced military arsenal that includes a wide range of weapons and equipment. In the field of armored vehicles and tanks, the Kingdom depends on models such as M1 Abrams, M60 Patton and AMX-30, as well as local armored vehicles and modern models from Türkiye and Georgia. As for the helicopters, they include the AH-64 Apache, Bell OH-58 Kiowa, UH-60 Black Hawk and CH-47 Chinook, along with other advanced helicopters.
In the drone sector, local falcon aircraft, Wing Loong, and the Turkish Bayraktar Akinci, are highlighted, along with multiple advanced models. Artillery and air defense include Patriot, Thaad, Hawk, Skyguard, KM-SAM and Crotale systems, supported by modern and medium-range missiles.
As for the navy, it includes multi -task frigates, periodic ships, submarines, advanced marine helicopters, and specialized marine reconnaissance aircraft. In the Air Force, the Kingdom relies on Eurofighter Typhoon, Panavia Tornado, F-15E and F-15EX fighters, along with early warning aircraft, air supply aircraft, and advanced training aircraft to ensure the readiness of the Air Force.
| Category | The most prominent weapons and equipment |
|---|---|
| Armored and tanks | M1 Abrams, M60 Patton, AMX-30, local armored vehicles, modern models from Türkiye and Georgia |
| Helicopters | AH-64 Apache, Bell OH-58 Kiowa, UH-60 Black Hawk, Ch-47 Chinook, and other advanced helicopters |
| Drones (Dron/C-AA) | Local Falcon, Wing Loong Chinese, Turkish Bayraktar Akinci, and other advanced models |
| Artillery and air defense | Patriot systems, Thaad, Hook, Sky Gard, KM-SAM, Crotall, with modern and medium-range missiles. |
| Naval | Multi -task frigates, periodic ships, submarines, advanced marine helicopters, and marine reconnaissance aircraft |
| Air Force | Eurofighter Typhoon, Panavia Tornado, F-15E and F-15EX, early warning aircraft, air supply aircraft, advanced training aircraft |
Within Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is seeking to promote the local defense industry, in partnership with international companies such as Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Tusaş, developing national programs in aviation, ground and maritime defense, and modern technologies. Future plans also include projects such as the Turkish Kaan fighter and the Sarwat Program to modernize the navy.
The Saudi defense strategy is characterized by a balance between the modernization of equipment and technologies, the development of local industries, and an effective role in preserving regional security. Future projects ensure the Kingdom’s continued ability to enhance its military power, protect its vital interests, and contribute to stability and peace in the region.
In conclusion, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia holds a place as one of the strongest regional powers in the Middle East, thanks to its modern army, its huge budget, the diversity of its military equipment, and its investments in the local defense industry. It continues to update its capabilities through wide military purchases from the United States, Western countries and Turkey.
Saudi Arabia enhances its capabilities in the ballistic missiles
Modern satellite images revealed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia may be in the process of expanding its ballistic missile capabilities.
According to a report published by the “Arab Defense” website on February 25, 2025, it appears that Riyadh has built the first underground missile base in decades, as well as updating many existing sites. Report It was based on the analysis of Fabian Hains, a defense and army researcher at the Institute of International Strategic Studies (IISS), for the satellite images that showed these moves.
Saudi Arabia began developing its first long-range ballistic missiles in the 1980s, in response to the Iran-Iraqi war and the spread of missile capabilities in the region. Since then, the details about its missile program were far from the media, as the Kingdom rarely reveals its long -range weapons.
The report revealed what appears to be building an underground missile base near the city of Nabhaniya in the center of the Kingdom. According to the analysis, work began on this site in 2019, and the largest part of it was completed by early 2024, becoming the first facility of its kind to be created since the 1980s.
Henz explained that there are strong indications that the site is a missile base, which includes the similarity of the design of administrative buildings with other Saudi missile bases, the geographical separation between the underground complexes and residential and administrative areas above the ground, in addition to the presence of an entrance to a tunnel similar to another base. Contractors’ records also indicate that the project is subject to the supervision of the Ministry of Defense.
The report added that there are new construction work on the base of the Saudi missile force in Wadi Al -Dawasir, which includes the construction of large buildings that may be dedicated to operating or logistical support. The institute also monitored signs of modernization and expansion at the headquarters of the missile base in Riyadh, as well as the construction of new underground tunnels and departments in the rules of the fire, Rania and the descendant.
Saudi strategic deterrence
Saudi ballistic missile capabilities remain surrounded by a high degree of secrecy. In 2014, the Kingdom organized a wide military exercise, during which its Chinese “Dongfeng-3” ballistic missiles, the first public show of these missiles.
In December 2021, CNN reported that Saudi Arabia is working to manufacture its home ballistic missiles locally with the help of Chinese, based on American intelligence assessments. In May 2022, the newspaper “The Interpit”, quoting an American intelligence source, reported that Riyadh is planning to import Chinese ballistic missiles as part of a program called “crocodiles”.
In the context of the “Vision 2030” program through which Saudi Arabia aims to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil, the Kingdom seeks to strengthen its local defense industry.
Henz pointed out that the absence of Saudi ballistic missiles in its campaigns against the Houthi militia indicates that these systems may be more functional as a strategic deterrent, and that the real role of them may appear only in times of crisis.
The Saudi Army article appeared: a global military force first on the Arab defense site.
