a saudi arabian defense doctrine: nawaf obaid
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Mapping the expanded force structure the Kingdom needs to lead the Arab world, stabilize the region, and meet its global responsibilities. A briefing accompanying the paper, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy SchoolTRANSCRIPT
A Saudi Arabian Defense DoctrineMapping the expanded force structure the Kingdom needs to lead the Arab world, stabilize the region, and meet its global responsibilities
Nawaf ObaidVisiting FellowBelfer Center for Science & International AffairsHarvard Kennedy School
May 28th, 2014Washington, D.C.
Saudi Geopolitical Realities
• Custodianship of Makkah and Madinah, Islam's two holiest sites.
• The leading country in the Arab world (Arabs comprise a vast majority of the inhabitants of the MENA region).
• G-20 member as the economic engine and most important financial power in the MENA region.
• OPEC’s de facto leader as the world’s largest petroleum producer & exporter and holder of largest reserves and spare capacity.
• Sunni state in a world where Muslims are predominantly of this denomination.
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Saudi Defense Doctrine’s Seven Goals
• Defend the homeland
• Succeed in counterterrorism efforts
• Bolster the defense of partner states
• Prevail in power projection missions
• Deter the spread of weapons of mass destruction
• Establish two separate commands for cyberspace & space
• Strengthen inter-agency partnerships 3
Saudi Land & Sea Borders
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RSLF (Army) Minimum Capabilities Required
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SANG (National Guard) Minimum Capabilities Required
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RSADF (Air Defense) & SMF (Strategic Missile Forces)
Minimum Capabilities Required
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RSNF (Navy) Minimum Capabilities Required
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“FAHD LINE”
Main KSA Onshore & Offshore Oil Fields
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RSAF (Air Force) Minimum Capabilities Required
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Marines (Part of RSNF) Minimum Capabilities Required
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World’s Largest Oil-Exporting Powers(2012-2013)
Source: OPEC, JODI, EIA & Internal Estimates.12
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Projected Largest MENA Economies(2014)
Source: IMF World Economic Database (April 2014)
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World’s Sunnis and Shias
85%-90% Sunni