What happened
Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia have resulted in significant damage and loss of life, with at least 20 people killed in recent weeks. The Iranian proxy group has targeted the kingdom's energy infrastructure, including the headquarters of Saudi Aramco, and civilian airports.
Saudi Arabia has struggled to counter these attacks, despite its substantial military and defense budget. Experts point to the kingdom's geography, with its long borders and extensive coastline, as a factor making it difficult to provide air defenses for all critical infrastructure.
The shortage of interceptors, such as the U.S.-made Patriot system, has also hindered Saudi Arabia's ability to defend against Houthi attacks. The global demand for these interceptors has led to a shortage, with many countries, including Saudi Arabia, seeking to acquire them.
The Houthis have also evolved their tactics, using relatively cheap drones and cruise missiles that can change their trajectory, making them harder to track. This has allowed them to launch successful attacks on Saudi targets, despite the kingdom's sophisticated air defense system.
Saudi Arabia has sought support from various partners, including Pakistan, Turkey, France, and the U.K., to bolster its air defense capabilities. However, the effectiveness of this patchwork approach remains to be seen, with concerns about interoperability and the potential for the Houthis to sustain their attacks over the long term.
