Historical Overview of Military Personnel in Saudi Arabia (1990-2016)

Saudi Arabia's military personnel numbers steadily increased from 146,000 in 1990 to a peak of 234,000 in 2010, maintaining this level until 2014. This growth reflects heightened defense spending fueled by the country’s significant oil revenues and its strategic focus on regional security, particularly during periods of heightened tensions in the Gulf.

From 2015 onward, personnel numbers slightly declined to 227,000, possibly due to operational realignments. Saudi Arabia's consistent military expansion during this period highlights its emphasis on bolstering defensive capabilities amid regional conflicts and its role as a leading military power in the Middle East.