Saudi Arabia eyes large procurement spend as it boosts 2025 defence budget to $78 billion
Saudi Arabia’s purchase of AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles was confirmed in October 2024. (Photo: Raytheon)
The new figure is an increase from US$75.8 billion in 2024 and showcases the country’s focus on its Saudi Vision 2030 to achieve a diversified and sustainable economy, reducing the Kingdom’s dependency on oil.
The Governor of the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), Ahmad Al-Ohali, confirmed that Saudi Arabia’s defence budget would increase to US$78 billion, up from a reportedly $75.8 billion in 2024.
Speaking at the 25th Global Defense and Aerospace Industry Strategies Conference in Antalya, Turkey, last week, Al-Ohali said that this budget would constitute roughly 21% of total government spend for the year and 7.1% of its GDP.
Al-Ohali noted 74 opportunities within the supply chains for military industries, according to a comprehensive study of the Saudi market. In addition, 30 priority investment opportunities had been classified – around 80%
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from IDEX 2025 | View all news
-
![IDEX 2025: Edge Group expands aerospace portfolio with six new UAVs and collaboration agreements]()
IDEX 2025: Edge Group expands aerospace portfolio with six new UAVs and collaboration agreements
Edge Group’s international partnership collaboration included Letters of Intent (LoIs) and agreements with US firm Lockheed Martin and multinational aerospace, defence and security company, Leonardo.
-
![IDEX 2025: UAE’s Edge Group notches up $2.9 billion and two dozen agreements]()
IDEX 2025: UAE’s Edge Group notches up $2.9 billion and two dozen agreements
The company cashed on its home ground advantage in Abu Dhabi last week with the launch of 46 products and solutions, while exhibiting a total of 218 items on its 9,000m2 stand, on which its range of subsidiaries were promoted and 16 contracts were signed.
-
![IDEX 2025: Aselsan plans further electro-optic systems’ flight tests for 2025]()
IDEX 2025: Aselsan plans further electro-optic systems’ flight tests for 2025
Aselsan CEO Ahmet Akyol confirmed that the tests for its TOYGUN and KARAT products would take place on a UAV platform as efforts continue to progress its “challenging” technology roadmap into 2025 and 2026.
-
![IDEX 2025: Hanwha looks to a proven template as it plans further international expansion]()
IDEX 2025: Hanwha looks to a proven template as it plans further international expansion
Hanwha Aerospace global defense CEO Michael Coulter was appointed to the seat just over two months ago. He sat down with Shephard at last week’s IDEX 2025 to outline his vision for how the company is looking to grow its footprint in the US and Europe.
-
![NAVDEX 2025: First of UAE Navy’s four Falaj-3 OPVs commissioned]()
NAVDEX 2025: First of UAE Navy’s four Falaj-3 OPVs commissioned
The vessels were first discussed a full ten years before the commissioning ceremony, and three more are due within the next three years.
-
![IDEX 2025: Rafael increases missile and drone defence capability as threats and demands rise]()
IDEX 2025: Rafael increases missile and drone defence capability as threats and demands rise
Rafael president and CEO Yoav Tourgeman, speaking to Shephard at IDEX 2025, has outlined how the company is pushing through air defence programmes in the face of attacks on Israel from rockets, missiles and drones on multiple fronts.
