Military Talent Insights: Saudi Arabia

Military Talent Insights: Saudi Arabia 2025

Saudi Arabia’s defense and military sector is a strategic priority under Vision 2030, with a $78 billion defense budget in 2025, ranking it 5th globally in defense spending. This sector is undergoing rapid transformation through localization, international partnerships, and advanced workforce development.

Key Highlights:

• Localization Drive:
  50% of military procurement to be localized by 2030.
  Defense acquisition budget projected to grow from $20B (2025) to $26.9B by 2029.

• Workforce Expansion:
  260,000 active military personnel in 2025.
  Target: 300,000 personnel by 2030.
  Over 67,000 Saudis to be trained in AI, aerospace, cybersecurity, and engineering.

• Hiring Landscape:
  +2.8% YoY increase in defense-related professionals.
  Ongoing challenges include low youth engagement and heavy reliance on expats.
  Gender diversity remains low (88% male / 12% female).

• Educational Reform & Talent Alignment:
  Curricula reform underway via ETEC and MIHC to align skills with defense industry needs.
  Strategic public-private partnerships for R&D and workforce training.

• Sourcing & Talent Mobility:
  TASC Outsourcing supports recruitment, contract staffing, and global mobility.
  Talent sourcing spans India, Egypt, Pakistan, UK, UAE, and beyond.

• Employee Benefits & Salaries:
  Mandatory benefits include housing, insurance, leave, and pension.
  Competitive salaries with higher pay in private defense roles compared to public sector.

• Strategic Partnerships:
  Major collaborations with Thales, L3Harris, Teledyne FLIR, and others.
  Events like the World Defense Show drive global defense integration.

👉 Download the full report to access in-depth insights, salary benchmarks, hiring trends, and strategic workforce planning for Saudi Arabia’s defense sector.