The Initiative to Produce Military Equipment Instead of Purchasing and Importing It
The proposed Saudi Defense Doctrine focuses on identifying areas within the Kingdom’s national security apparatus that require strengthening, outlining strategies for improvement and the necessary tools for their implementation. The primary objective of this doctrine is to safeguard Saudi Arabia from external threats while maintaining stability and security in the Middle East and the broader Arab world. The first goal is to enhance the Kingdom’s internal defense capabilities, particularly in the military, navy, and air missile systems. Saudi Arabia needs to fortify its defenses along its northern and southern borders and in key maritime routes, with special attention to vulnerable areas around Yemen, Iraq, and the sea.
The second goal involves enhancing Saudi Arabia’s counterterrorism efforts both domestically and abroad. The Kingdom should share its successful counter-extremism strategies with other nations while preserving and expanding its defense resources to assist neighboring and strategic countries in combating terrorism. The third goal focuses on creating a Gulf Union and strengthening the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council. This union would feature a unified military command and shared resources to stabilize nations impacted by the Arab uprisings of 2011 and ensure peace in the region.
The fourth goal emphasizes expanding Saudi Arabia’s influence at both regional and global levels. This goal aims to reduce the Kingdom’s dependence on Western allies and strengthen its military capabilities to intervene in regional and international crises, positioning Saudi Arabia as a central power in the Arab world while maintaining its Islamic principles. The fifth goal addresses the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), advocating for a nuclear-free zone in the Middle East and enhancing detection, interception, and containment capabilities. It also contemplates the potential for Saudi Arabia to acquire its own nuclear deterrent if necessary in response to Iran’s nuclear developments.
The sixth goal involves establishing separate commands for cyberspace and space, modernizing Saudi Arabia’s defense systems through collaboration with foreign experts. The seventh goal focuses on strengthening inter-agency cooperation within the Kingdom’s defense, security, and intelligence sectors to ensure that all objectives are executed through a coordinated national effort. The implementation of this doctrine signals Saudi Arabia’s commitment to strengthening its homeland defense while supporting regional stability, leveraging its political, financial, and military resources to address ongoing crises in the Arab and Muslim world.
This year, the Saudi government announced that its defense equipment localization has reached 19.35%, a significant increase from just 4% in 2018. This rise in localization is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader, long-term strategy to achieve the goals outlined in Vision 2030, which emphasizes the development of military and economic infrastructure. The primary goal is to reach 50% localization by 2030, a target that could not only reshape Saudi Arabia’s defense structure but also influence its alliance patterns, particularly its relationship with the United States. Weapon localization is seen as a strategic tool to reduce reliance on foreign powers and enhance defense autonomy.
One of the key reasons behind this shift is Saudi Arabia’s need to break free from its long-standing dependence on the United States for military equipment. While the Kingdom will remain reliant on the U.S. for advanced and heavy weaponry, the focus on localizing more basic equipment, such as small arms and armored vehicles, is a strategic move to reduce this dependency. This shift not only strengthens domestic capabilities but also provides Saudi Arabia with greater control over its defense production and supply, allowing it to diversify its relationships with other countries like China, Russia, and France.
Weapon localization also serves as an economic catalyst for job creation. As this sector is still in its developmental stages in Saudi Arabia, expanding domestic research and production in military equipment can lead to new job opportunities and enhance the educational and research infrastructure within the Ministry of Defense. Moreover, in line with Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is seeking to diversify its military partners. Alongside its cooperation with the United States, Saudi Arabia is strengthening defense ties with global powers such as China, Russia, France, and the United Kingdom. These changes in Saudi defense policy are likely to have long-term effects on the Kingdom’s power structure and international relations.
One of Saudi Arabia’s primary objectives in shifting its defense strategy is to reduce its security dependence on the United States, particularly in the acquisition of basic and non-advanced weapons. In the past, light and semi-heavy weapons such as firearms, armored vehicles, and other similar equipment played a crucial role in the “oil for security” equation, which has often supported Saudi Arabia’s security framework. This long-standing dependence on the U.S., especially during crises and conflicts, has had a direct impact on the country’s security. However, Saudi Arabia is now seriously moving towards the localization of non-advanced weaponry in order to reduce this dependency. Conversely, in the area of advanced and complex weapons, the Kingdom will still need close cooperation with the United States and other global powers, as these weapons are crucial in strategic domains like fighter jets and air defense systems.
As part of its internal capability enhancement, Saudi Arabia is actively investing in the establishment of national research and educational structures. A key initiative in this regard is the creation of the Saudi Military Industries (SAMI) company, which operates under the Ministry of Defense’s supervision. The main goal of SAMI is to boost domestic capabilities in the research and development of weapons and military equipment. Through the establishment of such structures, Saudi Arabia aims to increase its scientific and technical capacities, thereby meeting its military needs from domestic sources. This approach is particularly significant as the Kingdom seeks to strengthen its defense capabilities and reduce reliance on imported weapons. Collaborating with weapon-producing countries also provides Saudi Arabia with research opportunities and access to advanced technologies, which can improve the quality of domestic production and enhance the country’s defense capabilities.
Additionally, weapon localization serves as an economic strategy within the framework of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aimed at creating jobs and fostering economic growth. This program emphasizes job creation in technical, engineering, and manufacturing sectors, and given Saudi Arabia’s substantial military budget, this sector could become a key driver for economic growth while reducing reliance on arms imports. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia will still depend on other countries, including the U.S. and other global powers, for advanced and complex weaponry. Therefore, the localization of weapons is only part of the strategy to reduce security dependence. To fully achieve this goal, Saudi Arabia will need further cooperation and flexibility in its defense policies.
As Saudi Arabia revises its defense strategy, it is simultaneously working to strengthen and diversify its security options. The country is fully aware that military and regional threats require a comprehensive, multidimensional approach, which includes bolstering domestic power as well as establishing strong relationships with other global players. To this end, Saudi Arabia is moving towards a balanced defense strategy, which not only focuses on enhancing internal capabilities but also significantly revises its regional and global partnerships.
A core element of this strategy is the development and strengthening of domestic defense capabilities. Within the framework of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to reduce reliance on arms imports and increase domestic production of military equipment. This move not only contributes to the country’s defense self-sufficiency but can also lead to job creation and economic growth in industrial sectors and advanced technologies in the long term. These efforts are closely aligned with the nation’s economic transformations, particularly in strengthening its domestic defense infrastructure. At the same time, Saudi Arabia recognizes that regional stability and security, achieved through diplomacy and de-escalation, play a pivotal role in safeguarding its national security. As such, changes in the country’s foreign policy, especially in relation to Iran, are of significant importance. After years of tension and hostility, Saudi Arabia seeks a major shift in its approach to Iran, aiming to create a more stable regional environment through dialogue and understanding. This shift is crucial for safeguarding Saudi Arabia’s security and economic interests.
Saudi Arabia cannot afford to overlook its relations with global powers. Defense relations with the United States remain a key component of the country’s security strategy. The Kingdom aims to strengthen these ties through negotiations for defense pacts and new agreements to secure advanced weaponry. This engagement with global powers also allows Riyadh to access more sophisticated and up-to-date weapons for defense against regional and global threats.
Finally, by diversifying its arms partners to include countries such as China, Russia, France, and the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia is seeking to reduce its dependence on a single foreign power. This strategy of diversifying military suppliers not only helps the Kingdom avoid potential risks in its relations with specific countries but also paves the way for strengthening economic and security ties with other nations. This approach demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s flexibility in strategic and military domains and will generally contribute to creating a multilateral and balanced security system.
References:
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[2] CSIS. (2015). A Saudi Arabian Defense Doctrine for a New Era. CSIS. Retrieved form:
https://worldwide.harvard.edu/belfer-center-science-and-international-affairs-0 (accessed December 7, 2024).
[3] Schiavi, F. (Dec. 1, 2024). Saudi Arabia’s 2025 budget brings 5% increase to military spending as local industry hits 20%: What we know. Al-Monitor. Retireived from:
[4] Glob News Wire. (November 18, 2024). Saudi Arabia Defense Market Competitive Landscape and Forecast 2024-2029 – Saudi Arabia’s Defense Acquisition Budget, Estimated at $19.9 billion in 2024 is Anticipated to Touch $20 Billion in 2025. Glob News Wire. Retrieved from:https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2024/11/18/2982630/28124/en/Saudi-Arabia-Defense-Market-Competitive-Landscape-and-Forecast-2024-2029-Saudi-Arabia-s-Defense-Acquisition-Budget-Estimated-at-19-9-billion-in-2024-is-Anticipated-to-Touch-20-Bill.html (accessed December 7, 2024)
