Armed Forces of Saudi Arabia

Armed Forces of Saudi Arabia
Name	Armed Forces of Saudi Arabia
Native name	القوات المسلحة السعودية
Founded	1744 (First Saudi State), 1902 (Modern foundation), 1947 (Unified Ministry)
Current form	1963
Branches	Royal Saudi Land Forces, Royal Saudi Navy, Royal Saudi Air Force, Royal Saudi Air Defense, Royal Saudi Strategic Missile Forces
Headquarters	Riyadh
Commander-in-chief	King Salman
Minister	Khalid bin Salman Al Saud
Chief of staff	Fayyadh Al-Ruwaili
Age	18
Active	257,000
Reserve	25,000
Budget	$75 billion (2023 est.)
Percent GDP	7.4% (2023)
Domestic suppliers	SAMI, Advanced Electronics Company, Saudi Arabian Military Industries
Foreign suppliers	United States, United Kingdom, France, China
Related articles	Gulf Cooperation Council, Operation Decisive Storm, King Abdulaziz Military Academy

Armed Forces of Saudi Arabia are the military forces responsible for the defense of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Established from the forces of the First Saudi State and later unified under King Abdulaziz Al Saud, they have grown into one of the most well-funded and technologically advanced militaries in the Middle East. The forces are a key pillar of the nation's security strategy and a major participant in regional military coalitions. Their structure includes five main service branches under the command of the King of Saudi Arabia and the Ministry of Defense.

History

The origins trace back to the military forces of the Emirate of Diriyah and the subsequent Emirate of Nejd. The modern foundation is linked to the conquests of King Abdulaziz Al Saud, who used loyal Ikhwan tribal forces to unify the Arabian Peninsula, culminating in the establishment of the kingdom in 1932. Following World War II, the signing of the Quincy Agreement in 1945 with President Franklin D. Roosevelt cemented a security relationship with the United States. Major organizational milestones included the creation of a unified defense ministry in 1947 and the establishment of separate service branches, such as the Royal Saudi Air Force in 1950. The forces saw combat during the Arab–Israeli conflict, notably in the 1948 Arab–Israeli War and the 1973 Yom Kippur War, and defended the kingdom during the Gulf War in 1991 as part of the Operation Desert Storm coalition.

Organization and structure

The military is organized into five independent service branches, all subordinate to the Ministry of Defense headed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Royal Saudi Land Forces form the largest component, with multiple armored, mechanized, and infantry brigades. The Royal Saudi Navy operates from bases on the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf, including King Faisal Naval Base. The Royal Saudi Air Force and the separate Royal Saudi Air Defense command manage the nation's airspace and missile defense. The Royal Saudi Strategic Missile Forces control strategic deterrent assets. Joint command is exercised through the Armed Forces General Staff, led by the Chief of the General Staff.

Personnel and training

The military is an all-volunteer force. Officer education is primarily conducted at the King Abdulaziz Military Academy and the King Fahd Naval Academy. Specialized training for pilots occurs at the King Faisal Air Academy. A significant number of senior officers and technical personnel receive advanced training abroad, particularly in the United States at institutions like the United States Army Command and General Staff College. The Saudi Arabian National Guard, a parallel force reporting directly to the King of Saudi Arabia, handles internal security and tribal affairs. Personnel have also trained extensively with allies through exercises like Operation Bright Star and Gulf Cooperation Council drills.

Equipment and capabilities

The inventory is predominantly sourced from Western nations, making it one of the world's largest importers of arms. The Royal Saudi Land Forces operate main battle tanks like the M1 Abrams and Leopard 2. The Royal Saudi Air Force fields advanced aircraft including the F-15SA Eagle, Eurofighter Typhoon, and has ordered the F-35 Lightning II. The navy's fleet includes frigates and corvettes. Air defense relies on systems such as the MIM-104 Patriot and the THAAD. The Royal Saudi Strategic Missile Forces are believed to possess a variety of ballistic missiles, including the DF-3 and DF-21.

Modernization and defense industry

Driven by Saudi Vision 2030, a major goal is to localize 50% of military spending by 2030. This effort is led by the state-owned Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), which has formed joint ventures with global firms like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and BAE Systems. Key projects include the Saudization of maintenance for the F-15 fleet and local production of Panhard AML armored vehicles. Research and development is focused through entities like the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology. The establishment of the General Authority for Military Industries oversees this strategic shift to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.

Role and deployments

The primary role is national defense, particularly against regional threats from Iran and non-state actors. Forces are routinely deployed to secure borders and critical infrastructure like oil facilities in the Eastern Province. Internationally, they have been central to Arab coalition operations, leading Operation Decisive Storm and Operation Restoring Hope in Yemen. The military also contributes personnel to the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition and has participated in peacekeeping missions under the United Nations, such as in Lebanon. Strategic partnerships, especially with the United States Central Command, ensure continuous presence and joint exercises like Red Flag.

Category:Military of Saudi Arabia Category:Armed forces by country