How Did Mighty Saudi Arabia Flounder So Badly Against The Houthis? | Vantage on Firstpost

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Saudi Arabia spent $83.2 billion on defence in 2025, but its costly military arsenal faces a persistent challenge from Yemen’s Houthi rebels. In this video, Firstpost examines why a much smaller armed group can threaten the kingdom despite its advanced air defences, including the American-made Patriot and THAAD systems. The video looks at the Houthi arsenal of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones, the pressure on interceptor supplies, and the cost imbalance between cheap attacking drones and expensive defensive missiles. It also examines the group’s reported missile ranges, Iran’s support, the limits of Saudi Arabia’s new defence pact with Pakistan and Turkey, and what continued attacks could mean for Riyadh’s ambitions to attract tourism and foreign investment. Hem Saroya tells you more.

00:00 - Introduction: Saudi Arabia’s Defense Dilemma
00:40 - Vast Territory and Vulnerable Frontlines
01:02 - Patriot & THAAD: Limits of Advanced Air Defenses
02:00 - Interceptor Shortages & Asymmetric Drone Warfare
03:02 - Range of Houthi Missiles & Iranian Backing
03:47 - Mecca Defense Pact: Limits of Turkey & Pakistan's Support
04:14 - Economic Risks to Vision 2030 & Future Investments
04:58 - Preview: 2026 US Midterm Elections Showdown