Saudi Arabia expands military alliances as Houthi threat mounts

Saudi Arabia is rapidly expanding its defense partnerships and welcoming international military assistance to shield its territory from mounting missile and drone assaults launched by Houthi forces. Worsening conflict across the Middle East has exposed critical infrastructure, including extensive energy networks and transit hubs, to dangerous regional fallout.

The kingdom has faced renewed combat with the Houthis since July, when fighting resumed amid escalating tensions tied to the broader confrontation between Washington and Tehran. In response, Riyadh has turned to both regional capitals and Western powers for defensive assets, radar installations, and specialized military personnel to reinforce its skies.

Egypt has openly confirmed that its armed forces are stationed inside Saudi territory at Riyadh's request. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty recently told France 24 that Cairo was actively bolstering its defensive contingent, which is focused on safeguarding strategic targets, including the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. Egyptian security personnel have arrived with armored vehicles, anti-aircraft units, surface-to-surface missiles, and Amoun interception hardware tailored to counter low-altitude threats.

The Egyptian deployment reflects an evolving strategic stance. While Cairo had previously leaned into diplomatic mediation, lawmakers recently gave President Abdel Fattah El Sisi legal backing to take necessary protective steps for the kingdom. Observers note that Houthi disruptions in the Red Sea also imperil maritime traffic toward the Suez Canal, a vital economic artery for Cairo.

At the same time, Riyadh is broadening cooperation with Damascus. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara recently signed a pact centered on military training, consultation, and the sharing of defense expertise. While Syrian officials denied plans to station troops directly in Yemen, sources indicated commanders have been reviewing soldiers for possible deployments to Saudi Arabia.

Farther afield, Western and Mediterranean allies have also supplied significant defensive hardware. France has dispatched troops alongside air-defense systems and radars to shield energy facilities, while Greece maintains a Patriot battery stationed near Yanbu on the western coast. The United States and Italy have also delivered missile defenses and radar networks. Following strikes on Saudi infrastructure, including an attack on King Khalid International Airport on October 10, the United Kingdom agreed to deploy RAF Typhoon jets to conduct defensive counter-air patrols.

A Saudi source familiar with official thinking told The National that Riyadh's primary emphasis remains securing sophisticated defensive equipment rather than requesting vast numbers of foreign ground combat units. Riyadh maintains other defense arrangements with Turkey, Pakistan, and Sudan as it works to fortify its vast borders against incoming aerial threats.