Saudi Arabia Seeks Defensive Cover / Even a Trillion Dollars Didn't Help

Riyadh is pursuing several paths simultaneously to protect vital facilities and royal palaces.

In a report dated October 12, 2026, the American newspaper Wall Street Journal has announced the escalation of Saudi Arabia's security concerns following the missile and drone attacks of Yemen's Ansarullah forces. According to this newspaper, Riyadh has asked for help from Pakistan to deal with the growing threats, and at the same time, it is looking for the purchase of air defense systems in different countries. These developments occur in a situation where Saudi Arabia is facing increasing pressure to protect its oil facilities, airports, royal palaces and other sensitive centers. The continuation of the attacks, in addition to the increase in defense costs, has also put pressure on the reserves of interceptor missiles in this country.

13 killed in the attack on Riyadh airport

One of the most important events mentioned by the Wall Street Journal is the missile attack on Riyadh International Airport on Saturday. According to this newspaper, this attack left at least 13 dead and hundreds injured.

The attack on one of the most important air transport centers in Saudi Arabia highlights the vulnerability of the country's infrastructure. In addition to its economic and communication importance, Riyadh Airport is located near the main government centers, and its disruption could have far-reaching consequences for the Saudi capital. Saudi officials are worried about the reduction of interceptor missile reserves following the continuation of attacks. Repeated confrontation with missile and drone attacks has increased the need for continuous supply of defense ammunition and has forced Riyadh to search for new sources of weapons.

Asking for help from Pakistan/seeking protection around the world

Saudi Arabia has requested help from Pakistan to strengthen its defense position. Riyadh is also looking for new air defense systems in the global arms market.

Pakistan is one of the long-standing military partners of Saudi Arabia, and the two countries have a history of cooperation in the field of education and security issues. However, the report did not specify whether Islamabad agreed to Riyadh's new request or delivered specific equipment to Saudi Arabia.

These measures, the Saudi authorities are also considering the option of recruiting foreign forces to support their allied forces in Yemen. At the same time, trying to find a diplomatic solution is still part of Riyadh's options.

These actions show that Saudi Arabia is not just satisfied with buying defense equipment and is seeking to expand a set of military and political options to manage the crisis.

fall of the brain; Pressure from Bab al-Mandab to Riyadh

Another part of the report is dedicated to the field developments in Yemen. According to the Wall Street Journal, in August, Ansarullah's forces began an operation to capture the coastal areas near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the strategic port of Mokha was also captured by this group.

The importance of this development comes back to the geographical location of Bab al-Mandab; The passage that connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and is considered one of the important routes of maritime trade and energy transfer.

In such a situation, the military pressure on Saudi Arabia is not limited to missile attacks against the internal centers of this country. Developments on the west coast of Yemen can also affect the security of sea routes and the position of Riyadh's allied forces.

The simultaneity of the pressure on the land front, the sea routes and the depth of the Saudi soil has increased the complexity of the security challenge facing the Saudi government.

The promise of one trillion dollars to America/Washington did not enter the war

One of the most important political points of the report is Washington's position against Saudi requests. According to this newspaper, despite the promise of investing about one trillion dollars in America, Riyadh has not been able to convince the Trump administration to directly participate in military operations against Ansarullah. So far, Washington has not agreed to Saudi Arabia's request for direct assistance in pushing back the forces of Ansarullah and has been content with sending military advisers.

This issue is important because Saudi Arabia has been one of the major buyers of American military equipment in the past decades and has developed a significant part of its air defense structure based on American systems.

However, Washington's refusal to enter directly into Riyadh's intended operation does not mean the termination of military cooperation between the two countries, but rather indicates the limitation of the practical support of the United States at this stage of the conflict.

Moving defenses to protect royal palaces

To protect royal palaces and vital energy facilities, Saudi Arabia moves some of its defense systems between different regions. Mohammed bin Salman, the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, also moves between palaces equipped with shelters and his protection is the responsibility of selected security forces.

These measures show that the concern of possible attacks on sensitive centers has reached the highest levels of the Saudi government. On the other hand, the need to relocate defense systems highlights the difficult issue of simultaneous protection of a wide range of economic, military and governmental infrastructures.