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From Filby’s 1917 testimony to modern Saudi forces
The article examines the development of Saudi Arabia's military power from the beginning of the 20th century to the present day, highlighting the contrast between the limited resources around 1917 and the modern capabilities now distributed across land, air, navy, and air defense forces. For instance, Filby’s account of two old cannons in Riyadh in 1917 illustrates the limited means available at that time. However, over more than a century, Saudi Arabia has transformed into a state with an integrated defensive system and a modern military force that includes diverse classifications such as naval fleets and advanced air forces. The change is not limited to equipment and technology; it also encompasses the development of administrative and training institutions, domestic technologies, and a significant increase in military spending—projected to reach approximately $83.2 billion in 2025—with efforts to localize more than 50% of military industries by 2030. This comparison demonstrates that building power has not relied solely on purchasing weapons but also on developing skills, managing systems, and enhancing domestic capabilities, reflecting a significant evolution in the concept of power and sovereign statehood.
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