Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest purchaser of American weapons, has faced recent difficulties in defending its territory against missile and drone attacks launched by the Houthi rebel group in Yemen. The strikes, which have hit airports and economic infrastructure, resulted in at least 14 deaths and forced widespread closures, prompting scrutiny of the kingdom’s air defense capabilities.
The Houthis, backed by Iran, have transformed from a militia into a formidable fighting force capable of disrupting critical supply routes in the Red Sea. As Riyadh investigates the failure of its defensive systems, it faces the dual challenge of responding militarily while preventing a full-scale regional war that could further destabilize the Arabian Peninsula.
What the Left Is Saying
Analysts aligned with progressive foreign policy perspectives often emphasize the limitations of military spending as a solution to asymmetric warfare. Michael Ratney, a former U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia and adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, noted that the kingdom miscalculated by assuming the Houthis would not target civilian infrastructure. "Doing so marked a paradigm shift," Ratney stated, arguing that the Saudis must now balance the need to exert military pressure with the imperative to de-escalate. Andreas Krieg, a professor at King’s College London, suggested that the Houthis’ success in challenging Israel’s air defenses has provided them with confidence and expertise, highlighting the effectiveness of low-cost, high-volume attacks against expensive defense systems.
What the Right Is Saying
Conservative commentators and Saudi officials argue that the kingdom’s defensive challenges are largely due to geographic and logistical constraints rather than a lack of capability. Ali Shihabi, a Saudi analyst, stated, "Expecting a country the size of Saudi Arabia to intercept every missile is simply unrealistic. No defense can guarantee complete protection." The Houthis’ ability to exploit the kingdom’s vast, sparsely populated territory—roughly three times the size of Texas—with a border stretching over 1,300 kilometers through rugged terrain is cited as a primary factor. Regional officials indicate that Saudi Arabia has reached out to allies, including Pakistan and Turkey, for support, though these partners have largely remained on the sidelines. President Donald Trump stated he is evaluating whether the U.S. should join Saudi strikes on the Houthis, reflecting a hawkish approach to countering Iranian influence in the region.
What the Numbers Show
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Saudi Arabia received 12% of all U.S. arms exports between 2021 and 2025. The kingdom’s annual military budget for 2026 is listed at $83 billion, and it recently finalized a $9 billion deal with Washington for 730 Patriot missiles. Despite this investment, reports indicate that Saudi air defenses are running low on interceptors. The Houthis have grown significantly since 2015, when they numbered approximately 30,000 fighters; by 2024, the United Nations estimated their ranks at up to 350,000. The rebels control roughly one-third of Yemen and have demonstrated the ability to strike targets over 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) away.
The Bottom Line
The conflict underscores the strategic dilemma facing Saudi Arabia: how to respond to brutal attacks on its soil without escalating into a wider war. Analysts suggest that rather than deploying ground troops, Riyadh will likely rely on airstrikes and support for nationalist forces in Yemen, a strategy described by Krieg as "surrogate warfare." The Houthis’ recent successes have made them feel "untouchable," according to Farea Al-Muslimi of Chatham House, but a significant Saudi counterattack is anticipated. The situation remains fluid as Saudi Arabia assesses its defensive gaps and determines the appropriate level of military response, while the U.S. evaluates its potential involvement in joint strikes.