Why Saudi Arabia's $83 billion military fails to deter Houthis despite advanced arsenal

A series of missile and drone attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels has raised concerns over Saudi Arabia’s ability to protect its critical infrastructure, with a strike on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport on October 10 killing 13 people and injuring more than 300, according to Saudi authorities.According to Forbes analysis, Saudi Arabia has struggled to contain the Houthis despite spending approximately $83 billion on defence in 2025.Saudi Arabia’s military arsenal includes F-15 fighter jets, Eurofighter Typhoons and advanced Patriot and THAAD missile defence systems. However, its struggle to prevent repeated Houthi attacks highlights the gap between possessing sophisticated military hardware and effectively deploying it to protect critical infrastructure.The challenge is compounded by the Houthis’ use of missiles and drones, which can force Saudi Arabia to expend costly interception systems against comparatively inexpensive incoming weapons.Why Saudi Arabia is strugglingThe Forbes analysis identifies weaknesses in coordination within the kingdom’s security establishment, arguing that divisions between military and security institutions can hamper intelligence-sharing and operational effectiveness.

Another major challenge is the asymmetric nature of the conflict. The Houthis can use relatively inexpensive drones and missiles to threaten airports and other strategic infrastructure, forcing Saudi Arabia to maintain costly air-defence systems on constant alert. Even when incoming weapons are intercepted, repeated attacks can impose financial costs and sustain pressure on the kingdom’s security apparatus.The Houthis’ growing military capabilities also complicate Saudi Arabia’s response. Their experience in Yemen’s prolonged conflict, combined with access to missile technology and alleged Iranian assistance, has enabled them to threaten targets beyond the territory they control.Saudi Arabia’s superior conventional arsenal does not automatically eliminate this threat, particularly when the Houthis rely on dispersed operations and repeated strikes rather than conventional battlefield engagements.Regional division and disagreement between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates over Yemen have weakened coordination among forces opposed to the Houthis, complicating efforts to contain the group through a unified military campaign.