Saudi Arabia's air defence strained by repeated Houthi missile and drone raids

Saudi Arabia, the world’s second-largest Patriot operator, faces a fundamental challenge: no current system can guarantee interception of coordinated attacks involving missiles, cruise weapons and drones. The Houthi assaults, including a ballistic strike on King Khalid International Airport that left 13 dead and 308 wounded, have highlighted this vulnerability. The kingdom is purchasing seven Thaad batteries, the largest foreign acquisition of the system, while also relying on other platforms such as South Korea’s KM-SAM and the UK’s Sky Sabre.

Analysts note that interceptor use during the Iran conflict has already strained US and allied stocks, with some attacks consuming dozens of Patriot rounds in a single night. Experts warn that protecting one high-value target may leave others exposed, and that replenishing depleted interceptors could take up to 30 months. The situation is prompting a reassessment of how to defend civilian infrastructure, especially airports, across the Gulf region.