Saudi Arabia’s Military: The 23 Most Powerful Weapons in Service Today

Saudi Arabia boasts one of the most formidable military forces in the Middle East, equipped with some of the most advanced weapon systems in the world.

So which weapons form the backbone of the Saudi arsenal? Here’s a closer look at 23 of the most powerful systems currently in use.

#23: Glock 17/19 (Pistol)

This Austrian-made Glock pistol is the standard sidearm for Saudi soldiers. Praised for its reliability and ease of use, it’s a trusted companion in the field.

#22: H&K G36 (Assault Rifle)

The German-engineered H&K G36 is a 5.56 mm fully automatic rifle. Known for its precision and ruggedness, it’s a key weapon for Saudi infantry.

#21: Barrett M107 (Sniper Rifle)

This American .50 caliber anti-materiel rifle is capable of disabling vehicles and equipment from extreme distances, giving Saudi forces a tactical edge.

#20: RPG-7 (Anti-tank Weapon)

A Soviet-era classic, the RPG-7 remains a reliable tool against light armor and fortified positions. Its simplicity and effectiveness make it a battlefield staple.

#19: FN MAG/MG3 (Machine Gun)

Belgian and German machine guns that provide critical suppressive fire. They enhance the infantry’s ability to control the battlefield.

#18: Mk19 (Automatic Grenade Launcher)

This American 40 mm grenade launcher can deliver rapid, devastating fire against enemy troops and light vehicles.

#17: NLAW (Anti-tank Missile)

The Next-generation Light Anti-tank Weapon (NLAW) is a British-Swedish system designed to take out modern tanks at close range with deadly accuracy.

#16: Kornet (Anti-tank Missile)

Originally Russian, the Kornet is also produced in Saudi Arabia. This laser-guided missile is capable of destroying heavily armored vehicles.

#15: CAESAR (Self-propelled Howitzer)

This French artillery system combines high mobility with precision strikes, using a powerful 155 mm cannon to support Saudi ground forces.

#14: PLZ-45 (Self-propelled Howitzer)

A Chinese-made artillery system capable of delivering heavy, sustained fire over long distances with impressive accuracy.

#13: M270 MLRS (Rocket Artillery)

The Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) from the US can unleash devastating salvos on enemy positions from afar.

#12: ASTROS II (Rocket Artillery)

This Brazilian system delivers high-volume rocket fire with ranges of up to 80 km, ideal for area suppression and strategic bombardments.

#11: Boeing CH-47F Chinook (Transport Helicopter)

A heavy-lift helicopter from the US, the Chinook provides Saudi forces with excellent logistics support and troop transport capability.

#10: UH-60 Black Hawk (Transport Helicopter)

Highly versatile, the Black Hawk plays a vital role in rapid troop deployment and medical evacuations.

#9: OH-58D Kiowa Warrior (Light Combat Helicopter)

An agile reconnaissance and attack helicopter, the Kiowa Warrior offers Saudi forces advanced battlefield intelligence and precision support.

#8: Wing Loong II (Armed Drone)

This Chinese drone is equipped with guided missiles, enabling precision strikes while keeping Saudi pilots out of harm’s way.

#7: Sikorsky AH-64D Apache (Attack Helicopter)

Perhaps the most famous combat helicopter in the world, the Apache is armed with Hellfire missiles and advanced targeting systems.

#6: Oshkosh M-ATV (MRAP Vehicle)

This Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle is designed to shield Saudi troops from IEDs and roadside bombs.

#5: M2A2 Bradley (Infantry Fighting Vehicle)

The American-made Bradley combines strong armor with a 25 mm cannon and TOW missiles, offering mobility and firepower in one package.

#4: M109A6 Paladin (Self-propelled Howitzer)

This long-range 155 mm howitzer provides Saudi forces with flexible and accurate artillery support.

#3: FGM-148 Javelin (Anti-tank Missile)

The Javelin’s top-attack “fire-and-forget” technology makes it devastating against even the most modern armored vehicles.

#2: BGM-71 TOW (Anti-tank Missile)

This American classic remains a staple of anti-tank warfare, valued for its precision and destructive power.

#1: M1A2S Abrams (Main Battle Tank)

The Saudi army’s crown jewel. With its advanced armor, powerful 120 mm cannon, and cutting-edge electronics, the Abrams tank dominates the battlefield and anchors Saudi Arabia’s ground forces.

Our team may have used AI to assist in the creation of this content, which has been reviewed by our editors.