SAEDNEWS: Saudi Arabia is facing an unprecedented form of maritime pressure despite spending tens of billions of dollars on air defense. Analysts warn that drones and missiles could threaten critical energy infrastructure at both ends of the country’s system.
According to SaedNews: Saudi Arabia is confronting an unprecedented security challenge, with the kingdom’s vital infrastructure remaining vulnerable despite massive spending on air-defense systems.
News Line Magazine reported in an analysis that the largest economy in the Arab world is, for the first time in its history, facing a form of maritime siege.
Saudi Arabia has invested tens of billions of dollars in air-defense capabilities, yet it continues to face difficulties protecting critical infrastructure from relatively inexpensive drones and missiles.
Bilal Saab, a former Pentagon adviser on Middle East affairs, said Gulf Arab states never truly adapted to the emerging aerial threats, which have now reached their doorstep.
Saudi officials are increasingly concerned about what lies ahead. Andreas Krieg of King’s College London said Yemenis could threaten Saudi Arabia’s western export terminals.
For the first time, both ends of Saudi Arabia’s energy system could be placed at risk simultaneously. The vulnerability is cited as one of the main reasons Riyadh is determined to prevent a direct escalation with Iran.
