In recent months, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has intensified military spending, securing a $139 million arms deal with the United States and engaging in similar transactions with Russia and other nations. While MBS claims these deals are crucial for Saudi Arabia’s security, critics argue that prioritizing defense over domestic infrastructure and social programs ignores pressing needs at home.
Details of the $139 Million U.S. Arms Deal
The recent U.S. arms sale to Saudi Arabia includes 10,000 tank shells, explosive charges, grenades, and a range of support and training services. Additionally, the contract involves U.S. military advisors embedded within the Saudi armed forces, providing the U.S. with insight into Saudi defense strategies. According to the U.S. Department of State, the deal is intended to bolster regional security and strengthen Saudi-U.S. relations. However, the stipulation of on-ground American advisors has raised concerns within Saudi Arabia about national security and the independence of Saudi defense operations.
Growing Military Expenses and Economic Strain
This latest arms deal is part of a broader trend in MBS’s military spending. In 2022 alone, Saudi Arabia’s defense budget accounted for nearly 21% of government spending, exceeding allocations for both education and healthcare combined. From 2016 to 2020, Saudi military expenses reached an estimated $273 billion, as MBS pursued increased security capabilities alongside high-profile arms deals. Critics argue that such levels of military spending are unsustainable, especially given recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) projections suggesting a decline in Saudi oil revenues by 2029. As a result, the kingdom could face greater economic challenges if resources continue flowing to military projects over public services.
Defense Deals Amid Domestic Economic Challenges
MBS’s recent deals with both the U.S. and Russia come as Saudi Arabia grapples with domestic economic issues, including high unemployment rates and rising costs of living. Many Saudis are feeling the strain, and critics argue that substantial defense expenditures do little to alleviate the nation’s economic burdens. In contrast to the recent arms purchases, Saudi Arabia has cut spending on public services, including plans to privatize healthcare facilities and hospitals to close budget deficits.
This has led to concerns that MBS’s focus on defense and military influence abroad comes at a cost to domestic needs. While Saudi Arabia remains one of the world’s top spenders on military technology, much-needed investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure are reportedly falling by the wayside.
Military Relations with Israel and the Palestinian Issue
Further complicating matters, MBS has faced criticism over his perceived alignment with Israeli security interests. Reports indicate that MBS recently invested $2 billion in defense systems from Europe to intercept missiles and drones potentially threatening Israel. This move aligns with allegations that MBS aims to counter Hamas in Gaza by any means, a stance that has sparked tensions within the Saudi royal family.
Critics within the kingdom argue that MBS’s emphasis on Israel’s security, particularly against regional threats, conflicts with longstanding support for Palestinian autonomy. As a result, MBS’s regional policies have led to division within Saudi Arabia, where many citizens feel his strategic alliances may risk longstanding traditions and values.
The Financial Toll of the Yemen Conflict
Adding to MBS’s military expenses is the ongoing conflict in Yemen, which Saudi Arabia has been involved in since 2015. Known as “Operation Decisive Storm,” the Saudi-led intervention aimed to counter Houthi forces but has cost the kingdom an estimated $350 billion to date, according to The Wall Street Journal. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia reportedly spends $230 million monthly on airstrikes in Yemen, diverting funds that critics believe could be used to address social and economic issues within the kingdom.
As the war in Yemen drags on, Saudi citizens and analysts have expressed frustration over the sustained financial burden of the conflict, which has yet to yield substantial results for Saudi Arabia’s regional influence. Many argue that MBS’s continued spending on military operations, without investing in long-term domestic improvements, does little to benefit the lives of ordinary Saudis.
Public Reaction and Calls for a Shift in Spending
Amid the kingdom’s substantial military outlays, public opinion is increasingly critical of MBS’s priorities. Many Saudi citizens argue that funds could be better directed toward addressing high unemployment, improving healthcare, and enhancing education, particularly as Saudi Arabia faces an evolving economic landscape.
By continuing to focus on international arms deals and regional military alliances, MBS faces growing pressure to balance his ambition for international influence with the immediate needs of the Saudi populace. Critics contend that for MBS’s Vision 2030 plan to deliver tangible benefits to the Saudi people, the crown prince must begin prioritizing domestic welfare over expansive defense spending.
Balancing Defense and Domestic Needs
The recent $139 million arms deal with the U.S. highlights MBS’s ongoing emphasis on military spending as a cornerstone of his policy agenda. However, as Saudi Arabia faces economic strain and a growing demand for public investment, MBS’s focus on defense and regional influence may ultimately detract from the stability he hopes to achieve.
While international partnerships may enhance Saudi Arabia’s strategic standing, a stronger focus on the country’s domestic needs is essential to ensure long-term economic growth and social stability. As MBS continues to navigate these challenges, Saudi citizens hope for a future where national priorities extend beyond defense to include investments in Saudi Arabia’s people and their quality of life.
