World Defense Show 2026: Saudi Arabia’s record defence spend highlights uncertain times
The M1 Abrams is the core MBT for Royal Saudi Land Forces and more have been ordered. (Photo: US Army)
Saudi Arabia’s investment in its land forces, notably in the area of air defence as recently as 30 January, is a sign of the challenges the Gulf State faces, particularly the threat from Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Saudi Arabia has committed, forecast or has open competition on vehicle spending of US$18.5 billion, according to research from Shephard Defence Insight, although the status of some of those programmes is unclear with the oil state tight-lipped on the progress of the procurements.
US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) approvals provide some higher level of visibility when it comes to purchases from the US. This includes approval for sales of M1A2S main battle tanks (MBTs), Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) systems, Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) missiles and TOW 2 missiles.
In 2023, the US Department of Defense (DoD)
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