From Desert Warriors to Modern Military: The History of Saudi Arabia's Armed Forces

The Saudi Arabian Armed Forces trace their origins to the unification of the Kingdom by King Abdulaziz, who rallied loyal followers to overcome challenges.

The history of the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces is closely tied to the unification of the Kingdom under King Abdulaziz, whose loyal followers faced immense challenges to establish a secure nation. Beginning with a small group armed with traditional weaponry, King Abdulaziz aimed to unite the Arabian Peninsula, traversing diverse terrains. The initial formation of the Saudi Arabian Army focused on organization, leading to the establishment of military garrisons and regular units. As the army grew, the creation of the Ministry of Defense in 1943 marked a significant development in military structure, further enhanced by the investment of successive monarchs in advanced weaponry and personnel training. The armed forces expanded across land, air, and naval domains, culminating in a comprehensive development plan aligned with national defense strategies.