The relations between US and Saudi Arabia had been restored since WWII. US has guaranteed the security of Saudi Arabia and in return has been taking all the leverage of Saudi economy since then. Saudi Arabia enjoys this relations so far. Saudi Arabia enjoys having special relation with US. It enables Saudi Arabia to buy latest military technology from US. This has been creating a strong belief with Saudi Arabia that it has strong army with great operational capability. But Yemen war has shown that it is not the case.
Saudi Arabia has not felt being threatened following the WWII. However, Iranian revolution has changed the security perception. Khomeini’s plan to spread the revolution beginning with Iraq was a clear sign that Iran will follow aggressive foreign policy. Therefore, Saudi Arabia has initiated a massive military equipment procurement schedule. But this always has been attached with huge corruption activities. It is known that BAE has paid hundreds of millions of British pounds to princes of royal family and high level state authorities to proceed with the deal. It is all common in Saudi Arabia and none of the foreign company (and even locals) cannot do business without “Tip” (Talmih in Arabic).
As of today, Saudi Arabi has introduced new laws “Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority” in order to stop corruption although it is not clear if that serves for the service of favoring the crown prince. Saudi Army is well equipped with highest technology. But is it enough?
National Power does not only comes from economy and military. Any country should demonstrate the desire and willingness to fight if necessary to protect the country’s interests and security. To check, what is Saudi Arabia military doctrine? Saudi military doctrine is “to implement sharia law, promote the merits of true faith and aiding the oppressed ones”. This doctrine lacks of unifying ideology, national identity and a clear objective.
In Yemen war, Saudi Air Force has utilized the American crews to conduct integrated combat turns to rearm and refuel F-15 eagles. Its airforce has failed to take responsibility for ground support and army maintenance crews because Saudis resists manual labors. Saudi pilots are trained based on fixed targets and have failed to take action on Yemeni targets since they are mobile. Moreover, the local crews members have troubles to integrate with new military hardware.
Moreover, loyalty construes more than competence or performance. Prince Mohammad bin Salman pushed for war in Yemen but King Salman dismissed the top military commanders due to failure. Many soldiers avoided deployment by submitting fake medical reports or injuring themselves or using drugs to make themselves look like ill. This huge arsenal is meaningless if ruling elite avoid act like models but seeking their personnel agenda.
In lack of sense of duty and national pride among the society, Saudi Arabia might consider itself as strong and leading country the region while its adversaries will see its size incompatible with its hardware.
