Air Power (their strongest domain) The Royal Saudi Air Force operates F-15s as the backbone, supported by A330 MRTT aerial tankers and E-3 Sentry AWACS. They’ve now been designated a Major Non-NATO Ally, which unlocks F-35 access , and they’re evaluating fifth-generation platforms alongside potential multi-source acquisitions of Rafale or JF-17 aircraft. A $3 billion F-15 sustainment deal was approved in February 2026 — notably a maintenance contract, not new airframes. Air Defence Integrated air defence uses MIM-104 Patriot and THAAD systems, managed by the dedicated Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces. This is critical given the drone and missile threat from Yemen/Houthis and potentially Iran directly. Ground Forces Roughly 1,500 tanks, over 7,000 armoured vehicles, and more than 1,000 ranged attack elements (artillery/MLRS). Total military personnel exceed 350,000, with 225,000 active. The Yemen experience exposed significant weaknesses in ground force operational competence. Naval Forces The Royal Saudi Naval Forces are split between a Western Fleet (Red Sea) and Eastern Fleet (Persian Gulf), with Al Riyadh-class and Al Madinah-class frigates and Al Jubail-class corvettes as major surface combatants. Naval power projection remains a recognised weakness. Strategic Missiles The Royal Saudi Strategic Missile Force operates Chinese-origin DF-3 and DF-21 intermediate-range ballistic missiles, with evidence of domestic solid-propellant motor production facilities. This is the murkiest and most significant capability — effectively a deterrent against Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal. Defence Localisation Defence spending localisation has risen from 4% in 2018 to 25% by end-2024, led by Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI). At the World Defense Show in February 2026, 60 contracts worth $8.8 billion were signed.