Saudi economy feels the squeeze

Saudi Arabia is mobilizing a growing network of military partners, including the UK, Turkey, Egypt and France, to defend its airspace and infrastructure against Houthi attacks.

Francesco Schiavi
Francesco Schiavi
Oct 21, 2026
Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) AH-64 Apache (top) and UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters perform a flypast during a military parade marking the 96th Saudi National Day in Riyadh on September 22, 2026. (Photo by Fayez Nureldine / AFP via Getty Images)

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Saudi Arabia is securing fresh military support as Houthi attacks threaten its airports, energy facilities and investment ambitions. The UK is adding fighter missions, while Egypt and Turkey weigh further commitments.

Riyadh now needs those promises to translate into protection, with deployment plans and parliamentary decisions still pending.

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