Saudi Arabia spends billions on its military. Why can't it stop deadly attacks by Iran's Houthi allies?

Key Points:

• Recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia have caused significant damage, including missile strikes on energy infrastructure and airports, resulting in at least 20 deaths, highlighting the kingdom's vulnerability despite its military strength.
• Saudi Arabia faces geographic challenges defending its vast territory, bordered by hostile forces and critical infrastructure spread across a large area, making comprehensive air defense difficult against the Houthis' missile and drone attacks.
• A global shortage of interceptors, including the U.S.-made Patriot missiles used by Saudi Arabia, limits the kingdom's ability to effectively counter Houthi threats, as demand for these defense systems outstrips supply amid ongoing conflicts.
• The Houthis employ evolving tactics, using swarms of inexpensive drones alongside ballistic missiles to overwhelm Saudi defenses, exploiting gaps in the kingdom’s multi-layered but sometimes vulnerable air defense systems.
• Saudi Arabia is seeking international military support from allies like Pakistan, Turkey, France, the U.K., Egypt, Greece, and Italy, but the diverse and complex nature of this assistance raises concerns about coordination and long-term sustainability against persistent Houthi attacks.