• Home
  • Business
  • Economy
  • Finance
  • Investment
    • PIF
  • Technology
  • Real Estate
  • Events
  • Vision 2030
  • Projects
    • NEOM
    • Qiddiya
    • The Line
Saudi Business News
Friday, May 9
09:20
22 °c
Riyadh
No Result
View All Result
Saudi Business News
  • Home
  • Business
  • Economy
  • Finance
  • Investment
    • PIF
  • Technology
  • Real Estate
  • Events
  • Vision 2030
  • Projects
    • NEOM
    • Qiddiya
    • The Line
No Result
View All Result
Saudi Business News
No Result
View All Result

HomeEconomySaudi Arabia Invests in Navy to Reduce Dependence on US for Defense

Saudi Arabia Invests in Navy to Reduce Dependence on US for Defense

Saudi Arabia modernizes its naval forces and takes a more active role in maritime task forces

December 26, 2023
in Economy
Reading Time: 2 mins read
152
SHARES
1.9k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on XShare on LinkedInShare on Telegram

Saudi Arabia has made significant investments in its navy in recent years, acquiring advanced warships and demonstrating a growing willingness to participate in maritime task forces. This shift reflects the kingdom’s response to increasing threats in the region and its desire to reduce dependence on the US for defense.

The Royal Saudi Naval Forces have taken command of two naval task forces in the region, signaling a departure from their previous reputation as a reluctant naval power. This change demonstrates a significant turnaround in Riyadh’s maritime strategy.

RelatedPosts

Saudi Arabia’s Hydrogen Economy: Leading the Clean Energy Shift

Saudi Arabia’s Fiscal Stability Amid Low Oil Prices

Saudi Economic Growth Slows Amid Oil Price Drop

Saudi Arabia’s reliance on US protection and military support has been a longstanding arrangement. However, as asymmetric threats from rivals like Iran and the Houthi rebels in Yemen have multiplied, Riyadh has become more willing to decrease its dependency on Washington for security.

The kingdom is actively modernizing its fleet, introducing new warships and showcasing their capabilities in real-world scenarios. Saudi Arabia has also increased its contributions to US-led maritime security coalitions and taken on a more prominent role in protecting its sea routes.

The Saudi navy previously consisted of frigates and corvettes commissioned in the 1980s. However, Riyadh is now acquiring Avante 2200-class corvettes from Spain, equipped with advanced weaponry. The first of these corvettes has already arrived, and the fleet is expected to be fully operational by 2024.

Additionally, the Saudi Eastern Fleet is set to receive Multi-Mission Surface Combatant ships ordered from Lockheed Martin. These vessels will be the most sophisticated in the fleet and will enter service in the next few years.

By procuring new warships and leading multilateral naval task forces, Saudi Arabia is demonstrating its commitment to maintaining a formidable naval power in the region.

This shift in Saudi Arabia’s maritime strategy is reminiscent of Iran’s naval buildup under the last Shah in the 1970s. The Saudi Naval Enhancement Program II is the most significant expansion and modernization of the Saudi navy since the 1980s.

The investments and active role of Saudi Arabia in the region do not indicate a desire for war or an arms race with Iran. Instead, it reflects a preparedness to respond to crises or conflicts independently, without relying solely on the US for assistance.

Paul Iddon is a freelance journalist and columnist who writes about Middle East developments, military affairs, politics, and history.

Tags: defensemaritime task forcesnavysaudi arabiaUS
Share61Tweet38Share11Share

© 2025 Copyright, Saudi Business News

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Business
  • Economy
  • Finance
  • Investment
    • PIF
  • Technology
  • Real Estate
  • Events
  • Vision 2030
  • Projects
    • NEOM
    • Qiddiya
    • The Line

© 2025 Copyright, Saudi Business News

Go to mobile version