The recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia have showcased the military limitations of this country, and despite high military expenditures, it has been unable to effectively defend itself. These attacks, which have resulted in the deaths of at least 18 people and forced the closure of Riyadh's main international airport, demonstrate that the Houthis have no intention of reducing the intensity of their assaults.
Details of the Attacks and Saudi Defense Capabilities
According to statistics, Saudi Arabia has spent between $64 to $96 billion on defense this year, which is more than double the military expenditure of Israel, its closest rival in the Middle East. The country is equipped with Patriot missile systems and modern F-15 fighter jets, yet despite this, the Houthi attacks using ballistic missiles and advanced drones have posed a serious challenge to these systems.
It is noteworthy that Saudi Arabia, due to its geographical size of over 2.1 million square kilometers, faces challenges in protecting strategic targets. The country must defend its oil infrastructure, air bases, and several major cities against multiple attacks. The fact that Saudi defense systems operate regionally means they may not be able to respond to all threats simultaneously.
Development of Houthi Weapons and Future Challenges
The Houthis, as an agile and evolving competitor, have been able to develop their weapons in a way that allows them to produce missiles and drones accurately. Some of these weapons rely on components from Chinese companies, and their production costs are significantly lower than Saudi Arabia's multi-million dollar defense systems. This means that even if a successful attack is thwarted, additional costs will be imposed on Saudi Arabia, increasing its vulnerability to future attacks.
Moreover, the Houthi defensive weapons, including surface-to-air missiles and drones capable of flying at high altitudes, have turned the skies over Yemen into dangerous places. Given that Saudi Arabia is heavily reliant on U.S. military intelligence, it faces challenges in modernizing and enhancing its military capabilities.
Ultimately, despite Saudi Arabia having a large fleet of fighter jets and advanced weapons, it has been unable to effectively utilize these weapons in the war against the Houthis over the past decade. This situation clearly indicates that equipment and funding alone cannot guarantee victory in wars, and there is also a need for training, motivation, and strong leadership.
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