Welcome Saudi Arabia Army

The Saudi Arabian Army, also known as the Royal Saudi Land Forces (RSLF), is the ground forces branch of the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces. It is one of the oldest and largest military branches in the Middle East and is responsible for the defense of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its borders. The Saudi Army has undergone significant modernization efforts to maintain its capabilities in the face of evolving regional and international security challenges. This response will outline the historical development, structure, capabilities, and current roles and engagements of the Saudi Army.

Historical Development:
The roots of the Saudi Army can be traced back to the early 20th century with the establishment of the Ikhwan, a tribal military force that played a crucial role in the unification of the Arabian Peninsula under the leadership of King Abdulaziz. In 1921, the Ikhwan was reformed into the modern Saudi Arabian Army. Over the years, the army has been heavily influenced by its alliances with Western countries, particularly the United States, which has been a key supplier of military equipment and training.

Structure:
The Saudi Arabian Army is organized into various branches, including infantry, armor, artillery, air defense, engineering, and special forces. The ground forces are divided into five military regions: Northwestern (including the capital, Riyadh), Western (including Mecca and Medina), Eastern (covering the Persian Gulf), Central (covering the central and northern parts of the country), and Southern (responsible for the defense of the southern border with Yemen). Each region is commanded by a Lieutenant General and is subdivided into sectors, brigades, and battalions.

Capabilities:
The Saudi Army is one of the best-equipped in the region, with an arsenal that includes advanced American and European weapon systems. Its main battle tank fleet consists of M1 Abrams and M60 Patton tanks, with additional armored vehicles such as the M2 Bradley and LAV-25. For artillery, it employs M109 howitzers, M270 MLRS, and G6 self-propelled guns. The Saudi Army's air defense capabilities are robust, with systems such as the MIM-104 Patriot and the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD). It also has a substantial inventory of combat helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for reconnaissance and attack missions.

Current Roles and Engagements:
1. Defense of the Kingdom:The primary role of the Saudi Army is to protect the territorial integrity and national security of Saudi Arabia from external threats. It maintains a significant presence along the country's extensive land borders with Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

2. Counter-Terrorism Operations: The Saudi Army is actively engaged in counter-terrorism efforts within the country, working alongside other security forces to combat domestic and international terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (ISIS).

3. Regional Security:As part of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and other regional alliances, the Saudi Army has participated in joint military exercises and operations aimed at deterring aggression and ensuring regional stability.

4. Yemen Conflict:Since 2015, the Saudi Army has been involved in the ongoing conflict in Yemen as part of the Saudi-led coalition supporting the internationally recognized government against the Houthi rebels and their Iranian-backed allies. This engagement has included ground operations along the border and the deployment of special forces within Yemeni territory.

5. Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Missions: The Saudi Army has contributed to various international peacekeeping missions under the auspices of the United Nations and the Arab League, such as in Lebanon and the Gulf War. Additionally, it has been involved in providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief within the region.

6. Military Exercises and Training:The Saudi Army regularly participates in military exercises with international partners, such as "Eager Lion" with the United States and "Gulf Shield" with other GCC countries, to enhance interoperability and military readiness.

Conclusion:
The Saudi Arabian Army has evolved significantly from its tribal origins to become a modern, professional fighting force with a range of capabilities that allow it to address the complex security challenges of the 21st century. Its structure and equipment reflect a focus on both conventional defense and the ability to conduct counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations. The Saudi Army's current engagements, particularly in Yemen, demonstrate its commitment to regional security and its role as a significant military power in the Middle East.
Authored by Olatunbosun Ibrahim