Houthi threat and Iran war reshape Saudi Arabia's security priorities

Detailed summary

A series of military deployments, pacts and defence agreements involving Saudi Arabia highlights the kingdom’s focus on deepening co-operation with regional partners while…

A series of military deployments, pacts and defence agreements involving Saudi Arabia highlights the kingdom’s focus on deepening co-operation with regional partners while reshaping its own security priorities and, in turn, those of key allies.

As the Houthi missile and drone threat grows, Saudi Arabia, with energy sites and airports spread across vast territory, has become increasingly exposed to the spillover from the wider US-Iran conflict, which could once again escalate into full-scale war.

Developments include Egypt’s confirmation of a military presence in the kingdom, an agreement with Syria on military training and sharing expertise, reports of Sudanese forces now in Yemen, and a defence pact with Turkey and Pakistan.

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But they also extend to partners outside the region, with France sending troops, radars and air-defence systems to protect strategic oil facilities, Greece operating at least one Patriot missile battery in Yanbu in the west and the US providing air-defence support.

The UK recently announced it would provide RAF Typhoon fighter jets to Saudi Arabia for defensive counter-air missions, following Houthi attacks on civilian targets, including Aramco facilities and a deadly strike on King Khalid International Airport on October 10. Italy sent radars, anti-missile batteries and other assets to help the kingdom defend itself.

A Saudi source with links to government circles told The National that Riyadh’s requests for military assistance from allies are focused primarily on military equipment and capabilities rather than the deployment of foreign troops. The source said Saudi Arabia has a wide range of strategic sites and infrastructure to protect, and needs support from its partners to strengthen its defensive capabilities.

Asked whether Riyadh might eventually require foreign troops on the ground, the source said they did not believe additional forces would be needed inside the…

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