Why Saudi Arabia Continues to Buy Weapons from the UK: The Economics and Politics of Defense Procurement

Saudi Arabia's continued reliance on purchasing weapons from the UK, rather than developing its own defense capabilities, is a multifaceted issue that involves economic, political, and strategic considerations. Although the Kingdom recently made an agreement with a Ukrainian company to build fighter jets for its defense needs, the overarching context suggests that self-reliance in weapons manufacturing remains elusive.

The Current Landscape of Defense Procurement

The preference of Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, to buy weapons rather than manufacture them has deep historical and practical roots. The lack of both human and material resources to develop sophisticated military technologies is a significant barrier. This is exemplified by Iraq's former capacity to manufacture chemical weapons under Saddam Hussein's regime. However, the broader context reveals a complex interplay of strategic and economic factors.

Historical Context and Strategic Alliances

Historically, UK involvement in Saudi defense affairs dates back to the period of the Arab-Israeli conflict. For instance, during the 1962-1979 Yemen War, the UK played a crucial role in aiding Saudi Arabia against Egyptian forces. This historical partnership served as the foundation for ongoing defense cooperation.

Current geopolitical and economic factors further reinforce the UK's position in Saudi Arabia's defense sector. The UK is a long-standing ally of Saudi Arabia, predating its more recent status as a key US ally. This strategic alliance allows for deep and mutually beneficial defense partnerships.

The Economic Incentives: Business Over National Interests

From an economic perspective, the decision to buy weapons from the UK is driven by the financial benefits for both parties. Producing weapons in-house requires substantial technological investment and human capital, which Saudi Arabia lacks. Instead, the Kingdom opts for buying high-quality and reliable weapons from trusted partners like the UK. For the UK, this presents a lucrative market that helps sustain its defense industry.

Saudi Arabia, with its vast financial resources, can afford to choose the most cost-effective and efficient procurement options, even if those options come from other countries.

Human and Technological Challenges

The intricate process of developing advanced weapon systems requires specialized knowledge, advanced technology, and a highly skilled workforce. Saudi Arabia faces significant challenges in acquiring and maintaining these capabilities. The relatively recent agreement with a Ukrainian company to construct fighter jets demonstrates that while self-reliance is a goal, the technology and resources required to succeed are still elusive.

In addition, the narrative often emphasizes a perceived reluctance among Arabs to engage in manual labor and engineering operations. This cultural and societal factor plays a role in decision-making processes. As Saudi Arabia continues to invest in modernization and technological advancement, it must address these challenges through targeted education and training programs.

The Future of Saudi Arabia's Defense Industry

Looking ahead, Saudi Arabia is gradually moving towards greater self-reliance in its defense sector. However, this transition is slow and complex. Immediate priorities, such as the war in Yemen, continue to shape the Kingdom's defense strategy, making full self-reliance unlikely in the near term.

Nevertheless, Saudi Arabia's long-term vision, encapsulated in its Vision 2030, includes substantial investments in advanced manufacturing and technological capabilities. Initiatives such as the establishment of defense industries and the recruitment of international expertise indicate that the Kingdom is committed to building a more independent defense sector.

For now, the preference to buy weapons from the UK and other suppliers remains a practical and strategic choice, driven by economic and political factors rather than a purely strategic one. As the Kingdom's capabilities evolve, the dynamics of defense procurement are likely to change, but for now, the focus remains on achieving balanced and sustainable growth in both the domestic and international defense markets.