Why Saudi Arabia's $83 billion military fails to deter Houthis despite advanced arsenal
Despite an $83 billion defense budget, Saudi Arabia struggles to defend against Houthi drone and missile attacks. Analysts point to coordination failures and the economic asymmetry of using expensive defense systems against low-cost projectiles.
Why it matters
The conflict illustrates the growing challenge conventional militaries face against asymmetric threats and low-cost, high-impact drone warfare.
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.
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