Why Saudi Arabia has struggled to defend itself against the Houthis’ recent attacks

Saudi Arabia, home to one of the world's most advanced militaries, has faced a series of devastating attacks from the Houthis, a Yemeni rebel group backed by Iran. Despite possessing a vast arsenal of American warplanes, missile defenses, and other cutting-edge technology, Saudi Arabia has struggled to effectively defend itself against these assaults.

In recent days, the attacks have targeted Saudi airports, resulting in at least 14 casualties and forcing many to stay indoors and work from home. The Houthis, once considered a weak militia, have evolved into a formidable force, causing significant damage to the oil-rich region, disrupting critical supply routes in the Red Sea, and raising fears of a full-scale war on the Arabian Peninsula.

The Houthis' attacks are driven by their desire to overthrow the Saudi-backed government in Yemen. The conflict has been ongoing since 2014, causing the displacement of millions and the deaths of thousands. Saudi Arabia alone spends $83 billion annually on military expenditures, making it the top purchaser of American weapons, with 12% of all U.S. arms exports from 2021-2025.

However, the Houthis have been able to exploit Saudi Arabia's vast size and dispersed assets, which stretch across a sparsely populated country roughly three times the size of Texas, with a border of over 1,300 kilometers (800 miles) through rugged desert areas. Analysts suggest that expecting Saudi Arabia to intercept every missile is unrealistic, as no defense can guarantee complete protection.

The Saudi government has recently formed a joint defense pact with Pakistan and Turkey, but these allies have largely remained on the sidelines or limited their support. President Trump has also been considering whether the U.S. should join Saudi strikes on the Houthis, but a decision has not yet been announced. The Houthis' asymmetric warfare tactics, primarily involving drones and missiles, have proven effective, forcing Saudi Arabia to reconsider its defense strategies.