Saudi Arabia considers maintaining its regional stability as its top priority. But when countries like Yemen, Syria are burning in the fire of war around it, it is necessary to keep its military power strong.
Top 5 Weapon Technology: Saudi Arabia is a country in the Middle East which considers maintaining regional stability as its top priority. But when countries like Yemen, Syria, Iraq are burning in the fire of war around it, it becomes necessary for Riyadh to keep its military power strong. King Salman understands this very well and this is the reason why the Saudi army is equipped with modern technology and powerful weapons. Let us know about those five deadly weapons with the help of which Saudi Arabia executes its military strategy.
F-15/F-15A/F-15SA fighter jets
Considered the backbone of the Saudi Air Force, these fighter jets have been developed by the US and Riyadh has around 238 F-15s. These include 84 state-of-the-art F-15SAs that were purchased from the US in 2010. These aircraft are capable of covering long distances, which allows pilots to avoid the need for mid-air refueling for missions in northern Iraq and southern Yemen. This capability has been very helpful in operations against Houthi rebels and ISIL.
Paveway IV Bomb
This 500-pound bomb is known for its accuracy and lethality. Due to Saudi's defense cooperation with Britain, the Saudi Air Force actively uses it in conflict zones like Yemen. This bomb is equipped with GPS-guided technology and hits the target accurately even in bad weather. F-15 aircraft can fly with a large quantity of these light bombs, which eliminates the need to return to base repeatedly during the mission.
Saudi Special Forces
Saudi Arabia's commando units, like the US Special Forces, specialize in missions such as stealth operations, training, and arms supply. The help received from Saudi special forces to pro-Hadi forces in Yemen's Aden region forced the Houthi rebels to retreat. With state-of-the-art combat vehicles (such as MRAP and Enigma), these forces have gained strategic advantage on the ground. Their role is also considered important in training groups fighting against ISIL in Syria.
Economic power (Cash)
Oil-rich Saudi Arabia has immense wealth which it uses as a strategic weapon. Its defense budget is constantly increasing and it has become the largest arms buyer in the Middle East. While its defence budget was $20 billion in 2002, it has now reached over $80 billion. When a country has so much money, it can buy not just weapons but also strategic influence.
Diplomatic Influence
Saudi Arabia's real strength is its 'chequebook diplomacy' model, which means that it uses its money power to win over other countries to its side. Egypt, Pakistan, Bahrain, Jordan and even the US are indebted to it in some way or the other due to Saudi aid. Whether it is anti-terrorism training, hosting military bases or attacks on ISIL, the Saudi leadership makes big moves behind the scenes to maintain regional balance.
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