RIYADH: The history of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabian Armed Forces is inextricably linked to the unification of the Kingdom under the leadership of King Abdulaziz, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). It was a time of huge challenges, yet the unwavering loyalty and courage of his followers proved instrumental in establishing a unified and secure nation.
The journey started with a small group of loyal men armed with swords and spears, and riding horses and camels, the SPA added. Their main mission was to dispel fear and unite the Arabian Peninsula. Led by King Abdulaziz, they crossed mountains, valleys and plains, uniting the diverse regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Foundation of the Saudi Arabian Army
The early phases of the Saudi Arabian Army were characterized by a focus on organization and standardization. Fighting teams were established from both desert and urban populations, laying the groundwork for a unified military force. The formation of military garrisons, such as the Jeddah garrison, marked key milestones in this process, the SPA reported.
Under the visionary leadership of King Abdulaziz, the Saudi Arabian Army underwent fast development. The formation of regular army units, including artillery, infantry, and machine gun regiments, marked a key advancement. The establishment of a military affairs directorate has further solidified the army’s structure as well as administration.
As the Saudi Arabian Army continued to grow, the need for a more comprehensive defense system became apparent, the SPA added. The formation of a defense agency, the restructuring of army units, and the formation of a military school were crucial measures in this direction. The introduction of modern weaponry, communication technologies and transportation further enhanced the army’s capabilities.
Establishment of the Ministry of Defense
The increasing complexity of defense operations necessitated the establishment of a dedicated ministry, the SPA added. In November 1943, the Ministry of Defense was formed, marking a significant milestone in the development of the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces.
Successive Saudi monarchs continued to invest in the development of the Kingdom’s armed forces. The formation of specialized forces, the acquisition of advanced weaponry, as well as the training of personnel have ensured that the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces remain a formidable force.
The SPA added that after the death of King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman, his sons, the kings after him, continued to develop and support the Saudi Army, and to establish specialized forces to protect the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and equip them with the latest weapons and members trained in the best practices.
Land Forces
In October 1962, the modern era of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s military started. King Faisal had issued a Royal Decree appointing Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz as Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General.
Under Prince Sultan’s leadership, key reforms were implemented. In December 1976, the Saudi Arabian Army was renamed the Royal Saudi Land Forces, the SPA reported.
Air Forces
A key priority for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since the reign of King Abdulaziz has been securing the Kingdom’s airspace. The first measure toward building a domestic air defense capability came in 1929, when the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) acquired British Westland Wapiti fighter aircraft. Initially based on Dareen Island in the Eastern Region, these aircraft were primarily used for surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
Recognizing the growing importance of air power, King Abdulaziz ordered the transfer of the aircraft to Jeddah in 1930, and set up the first Saudi aviation school, which focused on training pilots and maintaining aircraft, laying the foundation for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s future aviation capabilities.
After the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, King Abdulaziz recognized the need to further develop the military air force, the SPA added. To address the shortage of trained personnel, he asked the British government to provide training for Saudi air crews.
Under the leadership of Minister of Defense and Aviation Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz, the Air Force underwent key changes, the SPA added. It was relocated from Jeddah to Riyadh, and its name later became the Royal Saudi Air Forces.
Air Defense
In response to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s evolving needs and the importance of protecting its vital assets, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia established an air defense force as part of the artillery corps within the land forces. Recognizing the expanding role of air defense, a Royal Order was issued in 1984 designating air defense as a specialized independent force, officially named the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces.
Naval Forces
Given the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s extensive coastline along the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea, establishing a naval force to protect the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s territorial waters became a strategic necessity. In 1957, the Royal Saudi Naval Forces were formed, initially known simply as the Navy.
Today, the Ministry of Defense, with its various forces and branches, enjoys the unwavering support of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. Under the close guidance of Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the ministry is actively working to elevate the Saudi armed forces to world-class standards, according to the SPA.
A main component of this effort is the Ministry of Defense development plan, which outlines a new vision and strategy, a targeted operational model, an organizational structure, governance principles, and human resource requirements.
Aligned with the National Defense Strategy, this comprehensive plan aims to ensure the continued modernization and effectiveness of the Saudi armed forces, the SPA added.
