Does Saudi Arabia have a military?
Saudi Arabia, a country located in the Middle East, is known for its vast oil reserves and rich cultural heritage. However, one often overlooked aspect of the country is its military. The answer to the question of whether Saudi Arabia has a military is a resounding yes.
History of the Saudi Military
The Saudi military, also known as the Royal Saudi Armed Forces (RSAF), has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. The country’s founder, King Abdulaziz Al Saud, recognized the importance of having a strong military to protect the kingdom and its interests. In 1926, the Saudi Military was established, with King Abdulaziz as its first commander-in-chief.
Organization of the Saudi Military
The Saudi Military is organized into three main branches:
- Army: The Saudi Army, also known as the Land Forces, is the largest branch of the military. It is responsible for protecting the country’s borders, maintaining internal security, and participating in international peacekeeping missions.
- Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF): The RSAF is the air force branch of the Saudi Military. It is responsible for protecting the country’s airspace and providing air support to the army and navy.
- Royal Saudi Navy: The Royal Saudi Navy is the naval branch of the Saudi Military. It is responsible for protecting the country’s coastline and maritime interests.
Size and Composition of the Saudi Military
The size and composition of the Saudi Military are significant. According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), the Saudi Military has a total strength of 215,000 active personnel, with an additional 75,000 reserve personnel. The military is composed of:
- Army: 150,000 personnel
- RSAF: 15,000 personnel
- Royal Saudi Navy: 10,000 personnel
Equipment and Modernization
The Saudi Military is equipped with a wide range of modern military equipment, including:
- Tanks: The Saudi Army operates a fleet of 1,500 main battle tanks, including T-55, T-62, and M60A3 models.
- Fighter Jets: The RSAF operates a fleet of 200 fighter jets, including F-15C/D, F-5E/F, and Tornado IDS models.
- Warships: The Royal Saudi Navy operates a fleet of 35 warships, including corvettes, frigates, and destroyers.
The Saudi Military is also undergoing significant modernization efforts, with a focus on acquiring advanced military equipment and technology. In 2019, the kingdom signed a deal with the United States to purchase $15 billion worth of military equipment, including F-15SA fighter jets, AH-64 Apache attack helicopters, and M1A2S Abrams main battle tanks.
Regional and International Role
The Saudi Military plays a significant role in regional and international affairs. The country has participated in several international peacekeeping missions, including:
- Yemen War: The Saudi Military has been involved in the ongoing conflict in Yemen, conducting airstrikes and providing ground troops to support the Yemeni government.
- Qatar Crisis: The Saudi Military has been involved in the ongoing crisis with Qatar, which began in 2017 when several Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, imposed a blockade on Qatar.
- Operation Decisive Storm: The Saudi Military participated in Operation Decisive Storm, a military intervention launched by a coalition of Arab states in 2015 to support the government of Yemen.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Saudi Arabia has a significant military that plays a crucial role in protecting the country and its interests. With a history dating back to the early 20th century, the Saudi Military has undergone significant modernization efforts in recent years, acquiring advanced military equipment and technology. The country’s military also plays a significant role in regional and international affairs, participating in several international peacekeeping missions and conflicts.
